Exploring Art, Business, and Community with Hedgeapple Arts

On Friday, 10/24, CEO students visited their facilitator, Katie Bretzlaff, at her business, Hedgeapple Arts - Art Studio & Gallery. Katie shared how she founded the art studio three years ago in downtown Kankakee and how it has grown into a thriving creative space that now hosts classes, exhibits, and community events.

Students learned about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the arts, from startup costs and marketing to community partnerships and creative vision. After the discussion, they rolled up their sleeves to glaze a piece of pottery for the upcoming Empty Bowls event, a charity fundraiser spearheaded by Hedgeapple Arts to support local food pantries. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to combine business insight with community impact.