This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This week's Utah Crowd-Funding Project appeals to the artist inside all of us.
Chalk Couture makes magnetic chalkboards, set in ornate frames, suitable for art projects, to-do lists or event calendars. They are the brainchild of designer Tara Roark, who had the idea when she bought a large frame at an art-supply store.
Roark is looking to expand her business, with a new line of custom frames. She also is developing Chalk Paste (a paintable form of chalk, in multiple colors) and Chalk Transfers (reusable stencils), as well as a smartphone app to help people create designs for their chalkboards.
All of that requires money, so Roark has launched a crowd-funding campaign via Kickstarter. The campaign is seeking $40,000, and has so far raised $1,302. The deadline is Sept. 11.
Benefits for backers range from a 3-d logo magnet (for a $15 pledge) to a bundle of chalkboards and studio time and dinner with Roark (for $5,000).
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