Stone Soup is a registered non-profit organization based in Republic, WA and dedicated to Capacity-Building: Magnifying the entrepreneurial assets of rural communities: To enhance the abilities of residents to earn a living by training youth and adults in entrepreneurship and applied information technology. Stone Soup offers workshops and opportunities to learn by doing to assist people in making the leap from a fear of computers and computing to an understanding of how information technology can transform their lives.
Marketing: Opening new economic opportunities: Stone Soup strives to open new markets and economic opportunities that are accessible to all rural entrepreneurs by using technology to reach new customers and to link potential business partners and suppliers. Part of our effort includes educating the public about the ways in which information technology can enhance their economic opportunities.
We are pleased to announce the opening of our new training space for arts, commerce and technology, located in the 600 So Clark building inside Shop the Frontier. Our goals are to provide technological training for beginners and advanced participants alike and assist those thinking of starting a business or trying to build an in-home business to learn success-oriented commerce practices. Stone Soup will offer a range of classes that both enable community members to explore and develop their creativity while supporting area artists in developing their own studios and businesses.
Arts We will work in collaboration with local artists, studios and educators to build a thriving arts community in Ferry County and beyond, composed of established and beginning artisans. From dance to pottery, jewelry design to wearable art, painting to glasswork, residents of Ferry, Pend Oreille and Okanogan County have the necessary skills to create a vibrant, productive arts community built on collaboration. Stone Soup offers a central space for Ferry County, with close access and ties to area educational institutions and art studios. Members of Stone Soup also belong to other arts-related groups such as the Arts Council of Ferry County, The Gold Mountain Art Gallery, Wisherwood Gallery and more; many have extensive experience in the arts industry including dance, fine arts, music, sculpture, and jewelry design. From this large pool of talent, we can draw many fine teachers.
CommerceAll art is a craft, and a craft must be mastered to achieve excellence. However, even the best artist in the world needs to understand business practices. So, too, does every entrepreneur! At Stone Soup, we believe starting out with positive business practices enables the artist or entrepreneur to do better from the start. Whether it’s customer service or marketing, writing job descriptions or figuring out how to price your work, we can help!
Technology Our technology classes are designed for all levels, from the person new to computers to the professional. Our teachers bring years of experience to their classes; their goal is to help you master the technologies that will carry you into the future and open employment opportunities to you as you learn.
Miscellaneous We’re currently developing or working to inform people about classes that don’t fit into any of the categories above, but that we have had requested by community members. These include cooking classes, soap making, candle making, home crafts… let us know what you are looking for! If we don’t offer a class in what you want to learn, we’ll help you find someone who does! Drop in and visit our new location! We’ll show you around the new store, invite you to relax while looking at the paintings in the gallery, and show you around the training center. We want to know what classes YOU would like to see happen. Take our community training survey!