Our Mission

At The Young Imprint (TYI), we believe children’s artwork is real art. Bold, expressive, and full of life, it deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Our mission is to help the world recognize that real art can come from the smallest hands. But we don’t stop at recognition. We believe creativity can be the starting point for something bigger. When it’s taken seriously, it can spark confidence, visibility, and future opportunity. That’s why, for every sponsored original art piece, 100% of the proceeds go towards the young artist’s college savings plan. This is where creativity meets purpose. And this is only the beginning!

Who We Serve

TYI currently serves the Greater Savannah area and surrounding communities in Georgia, with a special focus on underserved and often overlooked rural areas like Liberty and Long counties. Our work aims to bring attention, opportunity, and investment to these communities, shining a spotlight on young creativity and ensuring every child, no matter their ZIP code, has their art valued and a future worth looking forward to.

CREATIVITY IS POWER

What we stand for

Children’s art isn’t just ‘cute.’ It’s bold, unfiltered, and worthy of more than a temporary spot on the fridge. When placed in a frame, it becomes a declaration: that their imagination matters, their voices belong, and their vision can shape tomorrow.

LEGACY IS BUILT YOUNG

Each piece sponsored puts real money toward a child’s future affirming their imagination has value. We focus on ages 3–12 because starting early gives their accounts time to grow.

THE FUTURE IS COLLECTIVE

Raising the next generation is on all of us. The dreams of our children are our shared future, and true stewardship means investing in them. If we want a better world, the best place to start is by pouring into our youngest generations.

Upcoming events

  • Community Pop- Up at 5 Star Field Day- !!Postponed due to weather!!

    DATE: 08/09/2025 TIME: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM LOCATION: Bryant Commons Park, 438 W. Oglethorpe HWy, Hinesville, GA

    Come hang out with us at this fun community event hosted by 5 Star Nutrition We’ll have a free arts and crafts station for kids to create their own masterpiece. Parents can take it home or submit it to us no pressure at all.

    You’ll also get to see The First Imprint (display purposes only), our unofficial collection featuring artwork by our own 3-year-old little Picasso, the spark that inspired this mission. It shows the heart of what we’re building: a way to uplift children’s creativity and help turn their artwork into support for a college savings plan.

    Stop by, let the kids create, and come chat with us about how art can shape a brighter future.

    View full events details

  • Community Pop-Up at "Produce on the Patch"

    DATE: 08/16/2023 TIME: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM LOCATION: 5231 Rye patch road, Ludowici, GA

    Bring the kids to paint, draw, and unleash their inner Picasso at Produce on the Patch Birthday Bash. While they create, parents can learn more about our program and what we’re building for the community. Plus, get a first look at our preview collection, the artwork that sparked our mission.

    View full event details

  • Pop-Up at Community Event "Youth Extravangaza"

    DATE: 08/23/2025 TIME: 10: 00AM-3: 00PM LOCATION: Riceboro Youth Center 5649 S Coastal HWy, Riceboro GA

    We’re excited to participate in another community event hosted by Progressive Missionary Baptist Association. Our free arts and crafts station will be open for children to paint, draw, and create something uniquely their own.

    Families are welcome to take the artwork home, or submit it to be considered for a future exhibits.

    We’d love to see you there. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue building something beautiful together.

    View full event details

  • Painting the Future Presented by TYI

    DATE: 09/06/2025 TIME: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM LOCATION: 1190 King George BLVD #A5, Savannah, GA

    Save the date! We’re teaming up with Fleurish Creative Studio for a fun paint session where kids can create their own artwork in a relaxed, creative space. Families will also have the option to submit their child’s piece to be considered for our fall exhibits and future gallery displays where artwork can be invested in by the community to help fund that child’s college savings plan.

    It’s a great way to learn more about what we’re building, meet us in person, and be part of something special from the very beginning.

    RSVP here

The First Imprint:
An unofficial collection from the little artist who sparked the movement

  • "Happy Meal"

  • "Mommy"

  • "My Best Friend Xia"

  • "Daddy"

  • "In My Garden"

  • "Family"

  • "Untitled"

  • "My Hands"

  • "Fork Monster"

  • "Untitled"

  • "Unicorn Rainbow"

Click to read our founding story

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

— Pablo Picasso

Meet the Team:

built on service, shaped by creativity, driven by purpose.

  • Marie Katty Antoine

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Army veteran and military spouse with a heart for service. Art lover with a passion for photography, interior design, and creative storytelling. She also enjoys hiking, travel, and fitness. After leaving the military in 2022, she found herself searching for purpose beyond the uniform. One day, standing in her daughter’s classroom, the answer came into view.

    “The walls felt like a secret museum. I kept thinking, why isn’t anyone treating this like real art? The Young Imprint is my answer.”

  • Patricia Guerrier

    BOARD MEMBER & TREASURER

    Dedicated U.S. Army professional with 14 years of honorable service and a heart for community. Lover of art, youth development, and anything that brings people together with purpose. She’s a proud aunt to two creative nieces who remind her why this work matters.

    “I believe in the power of community and the importance of creating space where children feel seen, supported, and free to express who they are.”

  • Darlene Whitmore

    BOARD MEMBER & SECRETARY

    Devoted mother of two, Army veteran, and military spouse advancing her career in medical dentistry. She believes deeply in the power of education and preparing children for a strong future early on. She loves to hike, stay active, and bring people together in meaningful ways. Her passion for creating a better future starts at home and extends to children everywhere.

    “Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Every child should grow up knowing they have a future worth working toward.”

  • Cristal Medina

    BOARD MEMBER & CREATIVE CONSULTANT

    Army veteran, military spouse and experienced social work professional. She’s passionate about supporting children and families and believes in the power of early expression. As a mom to a curious toddler, she sees the magic in nurturing imagination every day. In her free time, she enjoys restoring antiques, tackling DIY projects, and creating spaces that feel meaningful and inspired.

    “Education is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. when we invest early, we invest in their power to change the world”.