THE PURPLE CR AYON
THE FIRST TWO YEARS
2011-2013
Actualizing passions and potential
A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
The Purple Crayon’s mission and vision is that each person in the world can draw a future for
themselves, and that we will help them step forth on this journey. By taking action, by
engaging and putting ourselves out there, by using the tools we have and are given to make
strokes and strides, we can create something new and be an active participant in the making
of our futures.
We invited attendees at our launch party to create their futures. And even as we were
encouraging them to do so, we were doing so ourselves. We were a close-to-blank slate when
we opened our doors those two years ago and have drawn ourselves into existence. Each
new program and outreach adds to the picture of who we are and what we offer, and every
person that engages with us and grows or evolves through our programs colors and
substantiates our canvas with their experiences and successes as well.
Today, The Purple Crayon is thrilled to be a business home to numerous entrepreneurs, a
supportive home for creative professionals, an exciting and vibrant home for musicians and
music-lovers.
Our hope and goal is to continue to support these constituents with existing and new
offerings like LunchPad, Inc. Interactive, Open Canvas, Open Mic and more, build on new
partnerhips with other organizations like The Hudson River Museum to draw in and impact
new audiences, and to capitalize on partnerships and the strength of the community that
surrounds us. As we grow and evolve, our impact will spread, particularly with the aid of area
residents who have experienced the positive effects of our programming as they pass the
word on to friends and neighbors. We strive to connect different types of people in creative
and productive endeavors, and envision a team of Purple Crayoners leaving their marks on
the world, working together, and pursuing their ambitions in ways they may not have thought
possible otherwise.
Sarah Silbert Hinawi
Executive Director
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THE PURPLE CRAYON...
WHERE WILL IT TAKE YOU?
“Harold was in over his head in an ocean. He came
up thinking fast. And in no time he was climbing
aboard a trim little boat.”
-Crockett Johnson, Harold and the Purple Crayon
Creative and adventurous, Harold can succeed and make his dreams come true with
only an open mind, the tools to draw with, and a conducive environment. In periods of
growth and transition, finding the resources to forging your own path can be difficult and
overwhelming. At The Purple Crayon, we aim to provide just that: the support, tools, and
environment needed to work through and learn from transitional phases and grow beyond
them. Many of our users - entrepreneurs, teens, small organizations - find themselves in a
state of flux, and we help them achieve career and life satisfaction by nurturing ambition,
cultivating reflection, and advancing artistry.
In 2011, The Purple Crayon opened its doors to the local community, with an aim to create
lifelong learners and highlight the importance of personal growth and engagement. Our vision
originally focused on making teens feel heard and connected to what they were learning,
both in and out of school. As we grew, so did our mission, and we began to institute programs
to support local professionals, working artists, and more. Our expanded offerings seek to
encourage and support individuals taking ownership of their life direction and seeking outlets
for their creativity and ambition.
97%
OF EMPLOYERS AGREE THAT CREATIVITY IS OF INCREASING
IMPORTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE.
- NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF STATE ARTS AGENCIES
“STUDENTS WILL NOT EXERT EFFORT IN ACADEMIC WORK IF THEY ARE CONVINCED
THEY LACK THE CAPACITY TO SUCCEED OR HAVE NO CONTROL OVER OUTCOMES.”
- BOARD ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
CAREER SATISFACTION IS THE TOP FACTOR IN OVERALL LIFE SATISFACTION
- UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
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WHAT WE OFFER
Our four flagship programs - The Inc., Live! @ TPC, The Sanctuary, and Draw Your Future work towards The Purple Crayon’s ultimate goals of helping members of our community
actualize their passions and potential. We aim to reach a diverse cross-section of users,
including professionals, students, artists, and music lovers. Through these programs, we
seek to engage those who use our space and programs with what inspires and motivates
them, and to connect them with others who share their ambition. The need for resources
like The Purple Crayon is evidenced by all types of research.
The Purple Crayon is on the cutting edge of a national and global trend of mixed-use
spaces and reinventing downtowns as creative, vibrant centers. Ann Markusen, an
economist, cultural scholar, and professor of public affairs, highlights the importance of
spaces that encourage and nurture creativity and ambition:
Creative places are cultural industry crucibles where people, ideas, and organizations come
together, generating new products, industries, jobs...They nurture entrepreneurs and expand
the ranks of self-employed artists and designers...they incubate the next generation of creative
workers and entrepreneurs.
- Creative Placemaking
In places like Indianapolis, whose non-profits moved in together in an abandoned city
market; Toronto, where the Gladstone Hotel functions not only as a hotel, but as a
showcase for artists through its rooms and exhibition spaces; and Great Barrington,
Mass., home to the Berkshire Art Kitchen, which combines arts and culinary events in
a private home, people are realizing that we need spaces of positive expression and
encouragement for our neighborhoods - and the individuals who live there - to thrive.
ACCORDING TO STUDIES, UP TO 60% OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE “CHRONICALLY
DISENGAGED,” MEANING THEY ARE NOT BEHAVIORALLY OR EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED
TO THEIR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS.
- BOARD ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
“ALL PEOPLE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO BE CREATIVE, AND WE CAN NURTURE AND
INCREASE OUR CREATIVITY. THERE’S A LINK BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND POSITIVE
EMOTIONS AND, ULTIMATELY, HAPPINESS.”
- PBS, THIS EMOTIONAL LIFE
ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKERS THRIVE ON SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND A FLEXIBLE, INDIVIDUALIZED WORK STYLE AND
SPACE. THE RESULTS OF DESKMAG’S GLOBAL COWORKING SURVEY INDICATE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS WHEN WORKERS
SHIFTED TO COWORKING FROM WORKING AT HOME OR IN A MORE TRADITIONAL SETTING.
92 %
86 %
75 %
S AW A N I N C R E A S E D S O C I A L C I R C L E
F E LT L E S S I S O L AT E D
SAID THE Y WERE MORE PRODUCTIVE
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80 %
60 %
HAD A L ARGER BUSINESS NET WORK
NOTICED IMPROVED PERSONAL LIVES
INSPIRING, MOTIVATING, AND SUSTAINING
LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Our professional programs and services act as catalysts for those looking to take the next
step in their work. Whether this means starting off in an entirely new direction, increasing
success in a current endeavor, or anything in between, The Purple Crayon provides tools
and support to help take the leap. The shared workspace that we provide was one of
the very first of its kind in Westchester County, and is on the forefront of a growing trend
around the nation and the world.
• Over 150 local entrepreneurs and professionals
have joined an inspiring and collaborative network
through The Inc.’s workshops and our shared
workspace, including over a dozen Inc. members.
• Our weekly LunchPad meetings, free facilitated
lunches designed to help launch new ideas, have
motivated participants to meet personal and
professional goals, build networks, and get new
businesses off the ground.
• We brought in 15 business experts through new
programs like Speed Consulting, Inc Interactive, and
free Business Development Drop-in Hours, providing
valuable connections and advice to dozens of
participants.
“IN JUST THE RELATIVELY SHORT TIME I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH INC INTERACTIVE AND THE BRANDING DROP-INS, I ALREADY FEEL SUCH A
HUGE BENEFIT.I FEEL SO INSPIRED AND SO MUCH MORE CONNECTED TO THE ENTREPRENEURS IN MY OWN COMMUNITY. THE PURPLE CRAYON IS
OFFERING A MUCH NEEDED PLACE OF INSPIRATION AND GROWTH IN WESTCHESTER. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING YOUR IDEA TO LIFE AND ALLOWING
ALL OF US TO SHARE IN YOUR DREAM.”
- JULIE COTTINEAU, LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR, PROGRAM LEADER AND DROP-IN COACH
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OFFERING MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACE FOR
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
“OUR RETREAT FOR FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AT THE PURPLE CRAYON
WAS JUST IDEAL. ONLY A HALF HOUR FROM NEW YORK CITY, OUR PARTICIPANTS FELT
LIKE THEY WERE TRULY AT A RETREAT – AWAY FROM IT ALL – AND THE BEAUTIFUL
AND INSPIRING SPACE ADDED A GREAT DEALL TO THE EXPERIENCE. THE FACILITY
OFFERED EVERYTHING WE NEEDED. OUR PARTICIPANTS LOVED IT, AND SO DID WE!”
JANICE SIMSOHN SHAW, ASSOCIATION FOR SMALL FOUNDATIONS
The Sanctuary space sits on the second floor of
The Purple Crayon, and visitors often remark on
the beauty and serene atmosphere of the room.
We put on our Live! shows here, but the
Sanctuary is also perfect for contemplation,
connection, and learning experiences. Our
building was repurposed from a former Catholic
church, and its history is most evident in the
space’s stained glass windows, cathedral
ceilings, and other small touches. It truly
represents the mingling of old and new, and is
an ideal backdrop for thought-provoking
experiences. Organizational retreats are a
particularly fitting match for our mission, as
reflection is key for creation and advancement.
The Purple Crayon provides a full range of
retreat planning services, from just space
rentals to agenda design and facilitation.
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• We opened our Sanctuary space to
use by private groups, and are
particularly excited about the potential
for organizational retreats and other
activites that promote reflection
and engagement.
• Professional retreats for the
Association for Small Foundations and
Andrus on Hudson were held in the
Sanctuary.
• Marketing guru Seth Godin led two
seminars in the space: “The
Medicine Ball Sessions” and “The
School for Startups.”
• The Purple Crayon provides guidance
and resources beyond just a space, and
users were thrilled with the full
experience of hosting a program in
our venue.
CREATING A VIBRANT PERFORMANCE VENUE
IN DOWNTOWN HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON
• The Live!@TPC concert calendar has featured 25 shows by such diverse artists as Ruth Moody, Cliff
Eberhardt, Dar Williams, Cheick Hamala Diabate, Girlyman, and Milo Z, among others.
• We have held over 20 open mic nights and enlivened the Hudson Valley musical community by
bringing together performers and audiences of all ages from around Westchester and Rockland
Counties, as well as from New York City.
• The Purple Crayon’s first two Battles of the Teen Bands were great successes, with over 25
combined entries. Winners and runners-up alike got the chance to record professionally and spread
awareness of their musical talents.
• We are committed to bringing a diversity of acts, both nationally known and developing, to
Westchester, where they may not have otherwise performed.
“THE PURPLE CRAYON IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
SPACE I’VE EVER PLAYED IN. THE SOUND IS
GREAT AND THEY TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY.”
-CLIFF EBERHARDT
“WHAT A FANTASTIC EVENING IT WAS TO SEE DAR WILLIAMS IN HASTINGS. SHE
IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES AND I LOVED SEEING HER IN SUCH A WONDERFUL AND
INTIMATE LOCATION. THE PURPLE CRAYON WAS SO NICE-WARM AND RELAXING AND
SO PERFECT FOR THAT SETTING. I REALLY ENJOYED MYSELF AS DID ALL THE FOLKS I
CAME WITH.”
-SUZI BRUNENAVS, LOCAL RESIDENT
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PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE SPACE FOR TEENS
TO PURSUE THEIR GOALS AND AMBITIONS
One of the founding principles of The Purple Crayon
was a commitment to helping students feel
connected to and engaged in the material they
learn in school. Our teen-oriented programming
gives participants an extracurricular outlet for their
creativity and a way to explore their futures after
high school.
“WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO BE A PART OF YOUR EVENT. WINNING HELPED US REALIZE
OUR OWN POTENTIAL, AND IT OPENED THE EYES OF PRODUCER STEVE ADDABBO...HE
GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO HIS STUDIO, SHELTER ISLAND SOUND IN NYC,
AND RECORD OUR SINGLE ‘THIS TIME’ COMPLETELY FOR FREE...IT’S FUNNY BECAUSE
FOR US, THE BATTLE SEEMED LIKE A SMALL EVENT BUT IT BROUGHT A PHENOMENAL
CHANGE TO OUR BAND AND OUR RECORDINGS.”
- ANDREW WOLFSON OF ACTIVE BIRD COMMUNITY, WINNERS OF BATTLE OF THE TEEN
BANDS 2012.
• We created and launched You U., a college
selection course based around students’
personalities and goals rather than the
typically competitive nature of admissions.
• Events like Battle of the Teen Bands,
concerts from local young artists, open mic
nights, and a dance party with DJ Shiftee
have brought over 200 teens from all
over the area to The Purple Crayon.
• We began developing SWAT, a monthly
film series for teens to “Snack. Watch.
Talk.” and The Scene, an intensive
weekend-long theater projects where teens
will deconstruct, reimagine, and perform
favorite shows.
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NURTURING THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY
• 2012 saw the launch of Open Canvas, our set of
meetings and workshops designed to provide
creative support, feedback, and inspiration for
emerging and established artists.
“WONDERFUL TO CONNECT WITH OTHER ARTISTS AND
FEEL THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO YEARN TO EXPRESS
THEMSELVES CREATIVELY IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
THANK YOU!”
- OPEN CANVAS PARTICIPANT
• Monthly meetings, which began in October, foster
lively discussion within a varied group. Open Canvas
participants work in all different artistic media,
infusing sessions with diverse viewpoints.
• Outside of regular meetings, we also introduced
professional workshops addressing artists’
specific needs, to offer them the same types of
career-building resources available in other fields.
Promoting creativity is an important step towards helping others realize their passions and potential.
The Purple Crayon strives to create a strong community for working artists who may feel isolated in
the studio environment. Over the past several months, we have begun to build a tight-knit, supportive
group and are always welcoming newcomers.
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SELECTED PROGRAMMING 2011-2013
Original & Collaborative
Programming Highlights
Live!@TPC Performances
Events & Retreats
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Draw Your Future
Warrior Rising
Drop-in Coaching and Consulting
Babymoves
Voice Power
Hip-Hop Orchestra
Saving Face
Vision and Values Workshop
Switch!
Jumpstart
Career Transitions Workshop
Battle of the Teen Bands
Inc. Interactive
Open Canvas
The Scene
You U.
Lunch Pad
Open Mic Nights
Songwriting Workshops
Speed Consulting
John Gorka
Two Rivers Ensemble
Sweetback Sisters
Gaida
Active Bird Community
DJ Rekha
Dar Williams
South County Halloween Party
Chieck Hamala Diabate
The Anderson Council
The Third Wheel Band
Ruth Moody
Battle of the Teen Bands
Cliff Eberhardt
Bandapalooza
DJ Shiftee
NewFound Road
Richard Julian
Girlyman
Afro-Jersey
Milo Z
Freedy Johnston
SonnyBoy
EMEFE
Seth Godin’s Medicine Ball Sessions
ANDRUS Center Retreat
Association for Small Foundations:
Master Juggler Retreat
Seth Godin’s School for Startups
The Vagina Monologues VDay Benefit
Hudson River Rising
OUR IMPACT AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
• Through our curated programs and the
opportunities we offer for connection with
others, we have built a community of
Purple Crayon users. This network is comprised
of people of many ages, fields and backgrounds
with connections not only to us, but to one
another as well.
• First-time visitors often become familiar
faces. In 2012, an estimated 200 repeat
users attended events at The Purple Crayon
and helped us spread the word throughout
our village, our county, and beyond.
• Our unique offerings have strengthened
our neighborhood and village by
drawing people from all around the New York
metro area to Hastings (see map). Not only do
these visitors experience The Purple Crayon,
they bring increased business into the
downtown area, engage with local vendors for
private events in our space, and simply
experience the atmosphere of the village,
often inspiring repeat visits.
• The presence of entrepreneurial and cultural
influences at our site has been a factor in the
stimulation and revitalization of Main
Street, as evidenced by more updated
facades and and increase in recreational
events in the neighborhood.
Our goals include:
Purple Crayon users by program
1 block = 10 people
• Increasing Hot Desk and Inc. membership to impact more lives and careers and build up the
entrepreneurial community
• Continuing to offer high-caliber, diverse musical experiences that bring richness and inspiration to
audience members
• Building on our collaborative model with the launch of SWAT and The Scene
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“WHEN I WORK AT HOME, I DO LAUNDRY, COOK DINNER, RECEIVE DELIVERIES, AND SURF
FACEBOOK. WHEN I WORK AT THE COFFEE SHOP, I EAT MUFFINS AND TALK ABOUT HOW THE
WRITING IS GOING. WHEN I WORK AT THE INC. I WORK. I WRITE. I SOAK IN THE CREATIVE
ENERGY OF THE STAFF, THE SPACE, AND OTHER MEMBERS SEEKING THE SAME. (AND I HAVE
PEOPLE TO HELP ME FIGURE OUT THE PRINTER/FAX/COPIER/WIFI). WHEN MY BOOK IS
PUBLISHED IT’LL HAVE ‘BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PURPLE CRAYON’ ON ITS SPIRITUAL SPINE.”
-PATTY CHANG ANKER, INC. MEMBER AND BLOGGER, FACING FORTY UPSIDE DOWN
“THE SPACE AT THE PURPLE CRAYON IS THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR RESPITE,
TAKING STOCK, AND ENGAGING IN INSPIRING WORK. OUR TEAM THOROUGHLY ENJOYED
THE RETREAT WE HELD THERE AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING BACK!”
- CRAIG HAEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES, ANDRUS ON HUDSON
“I LIKED HOW CONSTRUCTIVE THE JUDGES WERE AND HOW FRIENDLY ALL
THE BANDS WERE [AT BATTLE OF THE TEEN BANDS]. THERE WAS A GREAT
FEELING CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE ROOM OF PEOPLE, BE IT
PERFORMERS OR THE AUDIENCE, JUST HAPPY TO LISTEN AND SUPPORT ALL
DIFFERENT KINDS OF MUSIC. WE WERE GLAD AND APPRECIATIVE THAT
WE GOT TO BE IN THE FINALS BECAUSE IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT.”
-NATE FLAKS, STUDENT, MUSICIAN AND PARTICIPANT IN BATTLE OF THE TEEN
BANDS & OPEN MIC NIGHTS
“I BEGAN WORKING AT THE PURPLE CRAYON AS RESEARCH FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE
IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT OF CO-WORKING FACILITIES. THE COMMUNITY AND FACILITY
CAN BE AT LEAST PARTIALLY CREDITED FOR MY CHOICE TO LAUNCH AN INDEPENDENT
PRACTICE IN WORKPLACE CONSULTING, CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND EXECUTIVE
EDUCATION FOR MANAGERS AND DESIGNERS.”
- MELISSA MARSH, INC. MEMBER AND LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR, PLASTARC INC.
“YOU U. HELPED ME UNDERSTAND HOW DIFFERENT COLLEGES CAN BE FROM EACH
OTHER, AND LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT I REALLY WANT AND CARE ABOUT.”
- HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I FIND I’M MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE WHEN I WORK AT THE INC. - WORKING AT HOME IT’S EASY TO GET CONSUMED
WITH HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS. A COFFEE BAR CAN BE A PLEASANT PLACE TO WORK NOW AND THEN,
BUT IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO TAKE PHONE CALLS (IMAGINE THE WHIRRING OF THE LATTE MACHINE!) OR MEET CLIENTS.
PLUS, THE SHARED WORKSPACE ENVIRONMENT AT THE INC. IS CONGENIAL AND CREATES A COLLABORATIVE, WELCOMING
ATMOSPHERE. I CAN INVITE CLIENTS AND COLLABORATORS TO MEET ME AT THE INC. AS AN INC. 50 MEMBER, I RECEIVE MY
MAIL THERE AS WELL, SO NOW EVERYTHING I NEED IS IN ONE PLACE.”
- LAURA WINSTON, INC. MEMBER
“YOU HAVE DONE A BRILLIANT AND CLASSY JOB WITH THE PURPLE CRAYON.
IT WAS GREAT TO SEE ALL THOSE EAGER FACES AND THE HIGH-CALIBER
PRESENTER YOU ARRANGED [FOR INC. INTERACTIVE]. I DEFINITELY GOT SOME
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR MY PROJECT, AND MADE SOME INTERESTING CONNECTIONS.”
- HAVEN COLGATE, LOCALENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZER
“CHEICK HAMALA’S SHOW AT THE PURPLE CRAYON WAS A PURE DELIGHT. HIS NGONI PLAYING WAS A REVELATION. HE AND
THE BAND LAUNCHED INTO ONE MESMERIZING SONG AFTER ANOTHER. AND HE REALLY ENGAGED THE AUDIENCE WITH
HIS CHARM AND CHARISMA, GETTING FOLKS TO DANCE AND CHATTING WITH US AFTER THE SHOW. WE WERE ALSO REALLY
IMPRESSED WITH THE PURPLE CRAYON’S PERFORMANCE SPACE. IT’S GORGEOUS AND INTIMATE, AND THE SOUND IS
WONDERFUL. WE PLAN TO BE REGULAR VISITORS.”
- DON AND ANJALI CHEN, HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON RESIDENTS
“GREAT VIBE—THERE’S A LOT OF FOMENTING STUFF HERE”
- DAR WILLIAMS
“YOU’VE RESTORED MY FAITH IN HUMANITY.”
- OPEN MIC PARTICIPANT
“IT WAS A PLEASURE AND A TREAT WORKING
AT THE PURPLE CRAYON.”
- SETH GODIN
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