Art has always been a passion for 17-year-old Ashley Quintero, and now the Destrehan High School senior is using her artistic abilities to help her community recover from Hurricane Ida.
“About a week after the storm hit I painted a wood sign and propped it out in my front yard,” Ashley said. “A family friend saw it and asked if I could paint one from her, and it gave me the idea to make a whole bunch of signs and make money for charities.”
Ashley said the project is her first big graphic design endeavor.
“I based the prints off of the wood sign,” she said. “I wanted people to be able to share the same positive message that I did in my front yard.”
Ashley’s father David said it was no surprise that his daughter – who has been volunteering with the Matthew 25:35 food ministry and Grace Point Church since the storm – came up with a way to help others.
“I’m not surprised … this is Ashely,” he said. “She has a huge heart … she’s creative … it’s who she is. She’s been staying busy volunteering, and this is just another way she felt like she could spread some positivity and love … it just all came together really, really quick.”
David said he and other family members helped Ashley research and execute the best way to get the signs – and later the family added shirts to the design offerings – printed and that the proceeds from each $15 sign will be split in half to benefit two local organizations – the Arc of St. Charles and the United Way of St. Charles.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to spread a positive message in the community I’ve grown up in by using my artistic abilities,” Ashley said. “It feels nice to give back when so many people have gone through so much with the storm.”
After high school, Ashley said she hopes to earn a college degree in digital arts and graphic design.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has purchased a sign … it’s going to great charities,” she said. “I know the United Way is working hard with storm relief and the Arc is always helping people with disabilities. I’m really happy with the way the money will be used, and I’m proud of however many I can get out there.”
To purchase a sign or shirt, message David A. Quintero via Facebook.
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