Months of preparation, planning and organization became reality last Saturday when 24 local student artists shared their artistic talents with the community by participating in the House of Shine Be. Do. Share. Holiday Fair at Kindred Coffee in North Richland Hills.

"The variety and quality of their art was incredible.  But more importantly, we had a group of young people who were advocating for self and feeling empowered while making money and sharing it with those who attended," said Claudia Beeny, Founder and Executive Director of House of Shine.  

House of Shine hosted the Be. Do. Share. Holiday Fair - a platform to highlight the point of intersection between a person's talents, interests and a need in the community.  House of Shine calls that point of intersection the place where a person's shine lives.  

According to Beeny, in order to shine, a person must know who they are and where their talents lie.  This is their "Be."  Then a person needs to practice and perfect these talents and determine how they can leverage them.  This is their "Do."

"And finally, we always ask the question - to what end? Why do we do this? And the answer is to share it with the people around you - in your corner of the world," Beeny said.

The artists ranged in age from 8 to 18.  The type of art sold included photography, dirty-pour canvas art, pen and ink drawings, pet portraits, handmade coasters, pottery, finger puppets, bath bombs, handmade bows, and jewelry.  And a 4th grader from Southlake even sold her newly published book that is currently ranked #1 in 10 categories on Amazon.

To participate in this holiday fair, artists were asked to donate 10% of their sales to the charity of their choice.  Each artist had a story and a personal connection to the charity they selected.  

"Each young person is going to receive gifts throughout the season, but the gift we gave them is the most important gift all holiday season - that they can set a goal, they can work hard, and they can accomplish that goal for themselves.  That is very empowering to a young person," Beeny said.

House of Shine is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to unearth and harness people's talents and gifts for the greater good of their communities. For more information about House of Shine and it's workshops and K-12 curriculum, please email info@houseofshine.com.