Delaney Chesnick
A Young Artist Marketeer
All Grown Up
Every year the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival Features a Young Artist Market in the Family Area, this year to be located on the 600 Block of Downtown Augusta, GA for the duration of the festival, held from September 16th – 17th, 2022. Recently, The Arts Council toured the Augusta Symphony offices in the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. By chance, we had the opportunity to meet Delaney Chesnick, a former Young Artist Marketeer who now works in the Arts as the Augusta Symphony’s Development Coordinator. When asked what her experience was like as a Young Artist Marketeer for our annual festival, and how it had influenced her life since “graduating” this is what she had to say:
What’s one of your fondest memories of Arts in the Heart?
Probably my first time having a YA booth, way back in either 2008 or 2009. I only sold paintings and friendship bracelets. I would also offer on the spot bracelets if you wanted to choose certain colors, you would just have to come back and find me when it was done (maybe not the best business model). I was so proud of creating and making art independently. Everyone that stopped by was so supportive.
What was your experience like as a multi-year Young Artist Marketeer?
It was something I always looked forward to. I don’t know if this sounds silly but making money in that way was very cool to me. I didn’t have to do chores for a month to make like $5, instead I could make friendship bracelets and sell them. All on my own!
Briefly describe your Young Artist Market booth:
In 2013, I created a booth with my friend Anna called Watermelon Whiskers, where we sold bows, bow ties, flower crowns, and friendship bracelets. We were so excited every time we sold something because it meant that someone liked and wanted something that we created ourselves.
In what ways did participating at such a young age prepare you for a job in the arts?
I have always loved the arts and been involved. I played the tenor saxophone for 7 years, I still make friendship bracelets, and I am involved in local theatre. My parents don’t care about sports, so it was always art everything growing up. My favorite little blurb to say about myself is that the first song I ever learned the words to is “Brick House” by The Commodores.
What advice do you have for YA Marketeers today?
To soak it up! The opportunity that Arts in the Heart gives to young artists is truly so special. You are given a platform to sell your art, meet other young artists in the community, and learn the value of a dollar.
Delaney’s story is just one of the countless Young Artist Marketeer stories. Over the course of our 40 year run of bringing Arts in the Heart to the local Augusta River Region community, supplying our youths with an outlet to express themselves, create and participate in the arts has been a pillar of this award winning festival. If you would like to share your Young Artist Marketeer story, click here. If you have a child eager to engage in our Family Area by selling their creations or crafts, you can find more information and sign-up here.
