Heart on Canvas
A personal blog by Katty Antoine, Founder & Executive Director of The Young Imprint
Welcome. This isn’t the polished version of The Young Imprint. It’s the part where the learning, growing, and figuring-it-out happens. This space is for the behind-the-scenes , the heart, the hiccups, the small wins, and the honest thoughts that don’t always make it to social media. Think of it like an open journal where I get to process everything that comes with building something meaningful from the ground up.
So, with that being said… let’s start here.
Planting Seeds (Even Without Roots)
Can we talk about how performative community work can feel sometimes? Like, you’re out here genuinely trying to do something good, and later realize that if there isn’t evidence of it on social media, it almost doesn’t count. At least not to the people who decide what gets taken seriously. I’m learning real quick that visibility often equals credibility. Half the time I’m just standing there hoping someone takes the picture so I could reshare it later. But even then, it feels so weird. It’s not that I don’t want to share what I’m doing. It just starts to feel less genuine when it has to be proven. But I get it. People want to see it, not just hear about it. So here I am, showing up, doing the work, and laughing through the awkward parts.
So for those who’ve been wondering what I’ve been up to… here’s the scoop
Girls on the Run – Liberty Elementary
Saying yes to Girls on the Run was a no-brainer. As a fitness lover and mom, motivating young girls through movement is right up my alley. Thankfully, it’s less about how fast you can run and more about building confidence and teamwork which works out for me since I haven’t run much since leaving the Army in 2022. Still, it’s Georgia in October, so the heat definitely adds a little extra challenge. But I can’t wait to see these girls cross the finish line at their 5K next month.
CASA
I’ve been working through my training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). It’s self-paced, but I might need to pick up the pace a bit. Still, the heart behind it keeps me going. I truly believe the only way to build a better world is by pouring into our younger generations, and this feels like one of the ways I’m meant to do that.
Bradwell Institute
I was supposed to start volunteering at Bradwell Institute through Family Connection, but The Young Imprint workload took over for a bit. Still, it’s something I plan to circle back to because I really do want to stay involved and more active in my local community.
Telfair Museums
I’ll be starting docent training at the Telfair Museums this Friday, and I’m really looking forward to it. I am eager to learn, connect with other creative people, and keep growing in this space. In case you haven’t put two and two together, The Young Imprint’s ultimate goal is to become a children’s art museum, or a gallery, or maybe a “gallerium.” The verdict’s still out on that one.
Neighborhood Leadership Academy - Step Up Savannah
NLA classes are on Zoom, and it’s been a great experience so far. Learning from established and emerging leaders in the community has helped me strengthen my skills and better understand local issues.
United Way -Young Leaders
I’ve signed up, but honestly, it’s hard to keep up with anything in Savannah after 4 p.m. At this point, I might just drag my daughter with me to the monthoy meetings. But first, I probably need to get that AC fixed, because driving around in this Georgia heat feels like its own workout at this point. Who needs a sauna after the gym when your car blows hot air?😆
The Truth About Networking (for Me, Anyway)
When it comes to networking, I’ve stepped back a little. I used to try to put myself out there more, thinking that’s what I needed to do to build something new. But here’s what I’m learning: sometimes emotions run high and people get caught up in the moment. They’ll say things they don’t quite mean, not in a bad way, just in that fleeting kind of way. And after a while, that started to feel draining. I’ve always been an introvert, so the surface-level stuff has never been my cup of tea. But you add post-military social anxiety on top of that, and it takes quite a lot to show up. So I stopped forcing it. I figured if I just kept doing the work, the right people would find their way. And maybe that’s still true. But since we’re members of both the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Black Chamber of Commerce, I’ll probably start showing up again. Just differently this time. With clearer intentions. Less pitches, and more conversations that feel real.
The Part Between Vision and Proof
When it comes to partnerships, volunteers, sponsors, and just building your thing in general, I’m by no means trying to do it alone. But it can definitely feel a little lonely and hard to navigate sometimes.It’s kind of like trying to land your first job when everyone’s asking for prior experience. You’re eager, capable, and ready to work, but most people want to see that you’ve already done it somewhere else first. So that’s what I’ve been doing — just doing the work and letting it speak for itself. I’m realizing some people need to fully see it before jumping on board.
In Case You Were Wondering
I’ve been funding this myself and figuring things out as I go. I realized I needed to build it first before asking for help, because waiting for people to get it or see it might never happen. And even though it’s not for me, I felt like I needed to invest in my own idea and my dream before expecting someone else to. So that’s what I’ve been doing — showing up, creating, building, sometimes stumbling, but always moving. Call me a dreamer, but I think that’s what it takes. Faith, grit, and a vision that doesn’t quit. I’m just blessed to be in a position to do so. I wanted to wait for our 501(c)(3) status before leading with the utmost credibility and professionalism, but from the pace of things, I’m starting to think that whole department packed up and left for good.
The Weight and the Wonder
Our first pop-up gallery didn’t go exactly how I pictured it, but it was definitely a learning experience. Glad my in-laws drove up from Jacksonville to help while my husband was in the field. I couldn’t have done it without them. The feedback was amazing and made me truly realize why this should exist. So many people stopped by and shared what the art made them feel, and honestly, all the hearts were moved. Wish I could say the same about the pockets 😅. Still, I’m trusting God’s timing with all of this. The ego tries to rush it sometimes, but I know there’s purpose in the process. I just wasn’t prepared for the weight of it all, the responsibility of holding these kids’ futures, their families’ trust, and realizing that every piece of artwork I’ve collected represents something much bigger than a drawing or a painting. It’s heavy, but it’s also sacred.
Deep Roots, New Seeds
Every time I hear someone talk about having “deep roots in Long County” or “deep roots in Liberty,” I feel like that Viola Davis GIF where she grabs her purse and walks out 🤣. Like, if y’all don’t want newcomers, just say that. My family and I moved here from Washington, and honestly, home has always been wherever the Army takes us. But this — this — feels like something worth staying for. At least until the roots are planted for it to grow on without me. I’m honestly open to whatever God wants it to be, especially since He gave me the dream right here in Ludowici. I may not have deep roots, but I’m planting seeds. And maybe that’s the point. Because roots aren’t always about where you started. Sometimes they’re about where you choose to grow and who you grow for.
With That Being Said…
If you’re interested in sponsoring a piece, please let us know. I envision these works being displayed in local colleges and universities, because that obviously makes sense, right? But also in medical spaces, pediatric offices, hospices, coffee shops, restaurants, or even your own home. Anywhere that could use a little more hope, color and wild creativity that only a child can bring.
Until next time,
With love,
Katty 💛
