It’s no secret that businesses want more creativity. In one recent study, 77 percent of CEOs said they struggle to find the innovation and creativity skills they need. At the same time, creativity has never been in more demand. The basis of competition is shifting as technology continues to reshape industries. In a post-pandemic world, people are questioning long-held assumptions about the workplace. Attention is increasingly turning to the impacts of business on communities and the environment. Unfortunately, corporate cultures tend to limit the very creativity they need and organizations get stuck reproducing the “best practices” of the past. RISD is launching a new program that aims to help.

RISD has always embraced the power of art and design to shape the world and the value of creative thinkers to take on its big challenges. The college is committed to educating students and the public and contributing to society through critical thinking and innovation across disciplines. Of course, educating future artists and designers is central to that mission, but RISD doesn’t believe creativity should be restricted to a chosen few.

RISD ExED is a new initiative to create educational opportunities for business people regardless of their level of formal design training. Its goal is to enable people from any industry to transform their work with new insights and inspiration while exploring the intersections of art, design, and business.

RISD’s riverside campus in Providence, Rhode Island

ExED’s first pilot program, the Art of Creativity, is designed for people from any field who want to reinvigorate their own work as an opportunity for creative practice. RISD’s tradition of studio education means participants won’t just be sitting in lectures. A mix of on-campus, online, and on-the-job activities will help participants reconnect with their own creative aspirations, build habits that foster creative practice, tap into the creative power of groups, and lead creative work in their own organizations.

The Art of Creativity is an open-enrollment program that individual learners can sign up for themselves. The on-campus launch of the inaugural cohort will take place on December 5 and 6. ExED is offering early registration discounts for participants who sign up by September 30.

To register, visit risd.edu/exed/art-of-creativity.

Over the coming years, RISD ExED will be developing a portfolio of programs for executive and corporate audiences that draw on faculty from across the institution and the expertise of the extended RISD community. The next program in their pipeline, The Design Lab, will allow a single company to convene collaborators around a tough business challenge and approach it in a new way through the lens of design. Additional program titles have yet to be announced, but if RISD’s track record as a place for experimentation and exploration is any indicator, they promise to be interesting.

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Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market stands as a testament to the dreams and aspirations of twin sisters, Amanda and Ashley. With a vision cultivated since childhood, these entrepreneurial sisters have transformed their dream into a vibrant reality that not only reflects their passion but also enriches the community they cherish.

A journey that blossomed in 2015

The journey of Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market commenced in 2015, but its roots run much deeper. Amanda and Ashley, driven by a shared ambition that was nurtured throughout their lives, embarked on a journey that brought their cherished dream to life. The seeds of inspiration for Lucky Tree were sown in their beloved childhood treehouse, a cherished space that symbolized camaraderie, creativity and community.

A blend of creativity and sustainability

Stepping into Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market is akin to entering an artistic oasis that celebrates ingenuity and sustainability. The décor is a masterful fusion of discarded items transformed into captivating pieces of art, echoing the sisters’ commitment to repurposing and breathing new life into forgotten treasures. Just as their childhood treehouse was a haven for neighborhood children, the sisters extend an invitation to the community to embrace Lucky Tree as a place of their own.

A gallery of local artistry

Lucky Tree is not merely a café—it’s a sanctuary that honors the creative spirit of more than 50 local artists. Within its walls, an eclectic array of artwork and handmade creations come together, forming a tapestry of local talent and artistic expression. This commitment to showcasing local artistry not only adds character to the space but also fosters a sense of connection between patrons and the vibrant art scene of the community.

Delicious treats with a nourishing twist

Beyond its artistic allure, Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market tantalizes taste buds with an exceptional culinary experience. The sisters have meticulously curated a menu that delights the senses while adhering to their principles of wholesomeness. Boasting locally roasted coffee, an array of exquisite hot teas and a dedication to whole, wheat-free ingredients, their delightful offerings cater to various preferences, including the vegan palate. Every item on the menu is a testament to their dedication to providing products that align with their values and resonate with health-conscious consumers.

A vision for the future

For Amanda and Ashley, Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market is more than a business – it’s a canvas of possibilities and a stage for ongoing artistic evolution. With a commitment to supporting local artists and nurturing community bonds, the café is set to evolve organically, mirroring the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression and culinary innovation.

Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where dreams come true, creativity thrives and community comes together. When you step inside, you’re invited to be a part of something special. A place that celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of sustainability and the simple things in life.

Lucky Tree Café & Makers Market is located at 3801 Hillsborough Street Suite 137 Raleigh, NC 27607. Musical open mics are held bi-weekly on Monday nights starting at 7PM.

Monday-Thursday: 7AM-6PMFriday: 7AM-6PMSaturday-Sunday: 8AM-8PM