Apr 6, 2026
nora fleming launches ‘creative quill’ mini to support Chicago Academy for the Arts

The new “creative quill” mini. Photo courtesy of nora fleming.

nora fleming, the customizable serveware brand known for its hand-painted minis and memory-making designs, announces the launch of “creative quill,” a new feather-shaped mini created to support The Chicago Academy for the Arts (CAA). Launching April 6, “creative quill” is the featured product of feathers for the future, nora fleming’s ongoing initiative dedicated to supporting arts education and creative expression.

Proceeds from the “creative quill” mini will directly benefit The Chicago Academy for the Arts, helping fund arts education access, scholarships and creative programming for students at one of the nation’s most respected arts high schools.

The creative quill mini serves as a symbol of imagination, expression and courage. It will be sold at norafleming.com and at approximately 2,000 independent retailers nationwide for $21 each in retail stores and $22 at norafleming.com.

100 CAA students painted blank creative quill minis into one-of-a-kind works of art that will be auctioned off. Photo courtesy of nora fleming.

As part of the launch, 100 CAA students participated in a hands-on painting experience, transforming blank creative quill minis into one-of-a-kind works of art. These one-of-a-kind pieces will be sold at norafleming.com for $50 each to raise additional funds in support of the school.

In addition to the student works of art, an auction will include two special hand-painted creative quill minis: one by Nora Napientek, founder of nora fleming, and one by Justin Tranter, Grammy-nominated songwriter and proud Chicago Academy for the Arts alumnus, highlighting the lasting impact of arts education and mentorship.

“At nora fleming, creativity has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Nora Napientek. “feathers for the future reflects our belief in the power of the arts to shape lives, and ‘creative quill’ allows us to focus that support on the incredible students and faculty at The Chicago Academy for the Arts.”

Nora Napientek, founder of nora fleming, and Justin Tranter, Grammy-nominated songwriter and Chicago Academy for the Arts alumnus. Photos courtesy of nora fleming.

The Chicago Academy for the Arts offers a unique educational experience that balances intensive arts training with academic rigor. Faculty members are both top-tier educators and practicing professional artists, guiding students across disciplines including visual arts, dance, music, theatre, musical theatre, and media arts in a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment.

Art education is at the core of a fair and just society. We here at The Academy are a critical part our students journey’s to discovering their creative and confident selves. Support from ‘creative quill’ will help amplify The Academy’s efforts in creating the artists, creatives, and leaders of tomorrow,” said Melinda Zacher Ronayne, Ed.D., head of school at The Chicago Academy for the Arts. 

“creative quill” will be available beginning April 6 on norafleming.com and at nearly 2,000 independent retailers nationwide. Throughout the year, feathers for the future will spotlight creative impact and the importance of arts education, culminating in a one-year celebration and check presentation at The Chicago Academy for the Arts in April 2027.

For more information about “creative quill” and the feathers for the future  initiative, visit norafleming.com/giveback




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