Our Journey
so we had this idea…
When we started DAC we thought it would be fun to have DIY projects at our events to get the community creative. We told folks to come get their hands dirty with us and discovered that it could be something more.
dirty hands diy
We came up with Dirty Hands DIY and took on a Warehouse in our community in West Rehoboth at the Delaware Beaches where people could come in and make simple DIY projects. In March of 2020, we shut out doors to the public and took all the supplies we had to make DIY kits to sell for people to do during the “two week quarantine”.
how we survived
As we all know, it lasted a lot longer. We had just enough funds for DAC to get by for one month. With a lot of faith, a team of 5 people assembled over 500 kits generating $40,000. Our organization would not be here today without the income from this programming.
our big pivot
2021 was all about change. We discovered that our name “Dirty Hands” was not a positive representation of our predominately community of color West Rehoboth that faces a lot of stigma from the past. It was a no brainer in August 2021 to rebrand with a fresh start and a new direction.
we have big plans
our vision
The purpose of our organization the Developing Artist Collaboration is to grow the careers of artists. The purpose of Out of the Box DIY is for you to find your inner artist. We believe that every person has creative abilities far beyond than they recognize they’re capable of. We have evolved our brand and our quality of projects so that you will create something truly extraordinary.
Our vision is that we grow our DIY kits into a national eCommerce brand that people can access our kits all over the US and beyond. We plan to reopen our location in West Rehoboth into Out of the Box DIY Experience offering unique apothecary style DIY projects in an innovative setting as well as artist led workshops.
All of the proceeds from our projects go directly into our DAC programming.
Our staff is 100% made up of real live working artists. We allow our artists to work off the cost of career building resources, studio space, and presentation opportunity fees by giving back to our programming.
What makes our kits unique is that all of our boxes have an artist touch. From personalized cards to hand drawn stencils. Our squad as the ability to transform your creative ideas into reality.
Our Out of the Box retail is handmade by our artists and we are so thankful for their time and commitment to our vision and building their own careers.
meet the fam
our artists
the TEAM
liz ottey
Director of Out of the Box DIY
liz’s art
Liz is a watercolor surf artist. Inspired by her time abroad, she paints scenes and objects that keep her connected to her travels. Her work in interior design inspires her to create modern, bohemian pieces that reflect a luxury surf lifestyle.
emily widdoes
Artist squad
emily’s art
Emily is an illustrator and painter who mainly works in gouache and watercolor. Her experience in textile design is a large influence in her pattern driven work. She also works with ceramics, creating pieces that draw inspiration from nature and femininity.
laura gaeng
artist squad
laura’s art
Laura is an emerging jewelry artist with a focus on bespoke, handmade bracelets. Inspired by her surroundings, she creates pieces that reflect a chic coastal lifestyle found here in Lewes. To find her stackable, distinctive bracelets, or to explore custom options, connect with her on instagram @lalalizbylaura.
alyson engle
artist squad
alyson’s art
Alyson Engle is a local artist who focuses on the art of astrology through natal chart readings, necklace design and watercolor postcards. She is also a yoga instructor, surf instructor and model who believes in the art of celebrating joy through body movement.