Jeremy Rueggeberg has found a creative way to help businesses in downtown Augusta.
Rueggeberg, the co-founder of Beautify Augusta and former publisher of Medical Professionals Augusta magazine, has developed the idea for a downtown coloring book project and is currently looking for businesses interested in participating.
Beautify Augusta is a non-profit organization devoted to funding public mural projects in that part of town, such as its recent restoration of the Pink Slips building on Jones Street. The idea is to use the murals to draw more people to downtown Augusta.
“Our downtown businesses will support the printing of the book and be its main content,” he said. “We will then print 5,000 copies and sell them to the general public, patrons, and supporters of downtown, schools, and tourists.”
Rueggeberg got the idea from adult coloring books and parents coloring with their children. Proceeds from the book sales will go to funding more downtown murals. Rueggeberg said the first coloring book will feature about 20 businesses and 10 artists. He hopes to feature more businesses, artists, and murals in future editions.
Because Beautify Augusta is still working on getting businesses signed up, he doesn’t want to specify yet which businesses have committed to participating in the project.
“We believe the coloring book is a true win/win for our downtown businesses and for those of us who shop there,” Rueggeberg said. “Besides celebrating our businesses and business owners, the book will also help patrons locate the storefront, learn something personal about the owner and further endear the community to those business owners in a fun, unique way.”
The book will include not only images of the business and owner, but also a blurb and contact information.
He estimates the first book will be complete in six to eight weeks. Beautify Augusta is now looking for more businesses.
“The long-term goal is to promote and celebrate downtown businesses,” Rueggeberg said.
The books cost $10 each, and pre-orders are now being accepted. To place an order or find out how your business can participate in the project, email beautifyaugusta@gmail.com. You can also reach him on the Beautify Augusta Facebook page or his personal page.
