Eli Abby

Every organization has an origin story. Ours begins with a single painting.

As a child, Courtney would often stop and stare at a still-life painting of pears created by her great uncle. She didn't see just fruit on a canvas. She saw possibility. She found herself wondering, "Could I do that too?" That quiet moment of curiosity became the first Green Spark of a lifelong creative journey.

Years later, after growing as an artist, educator, entrepreneur, and community leader, Courtney realized something important: many talented people never receive the encouragement, mentorship, or opportunity they need to discover what they're capable of. Eli Abby was created to change that.

The organization exists to help people move from curiosity to confidence, from ideas to action, and from creating artwork to creating lasting impact in their communities. Through technical fine arts education, leadership development, project-based learning, and community engagement, Eli Abby equips creatives to build both artistic excellence and meaningful lives.

The name Eli Abby reflects the values the organization hopes every student will carry forward. Inspired by biblical examples of mentorship, wisdom, integrity, grace, and responsible leadership, the name represents the belief that great artists are also great servants, mentors, and builders of community.

Today, that childhood memory of a pear painting has grown into something much larger—a village where creativity is shared, preserved, and passed from one generation to the next. Every student who walks through Eli Abby's doors begins with their own Green Spark. Our role is simply to help it grow.