The creativity of Anelise Elmquist

Anelise Elmquist began her Kids Can journey with a suggestion from her mother about making cards as gifts and her business grew from there. The Las Cruces High School senior has been participating in Kids Can for eight years.

Anelise loves math, particularly calculus, and she dreams of becoming an astrophysicist. While she prepares, she has been an active community helper, choosing to donate profits on specific sales days to other organizations and causes that mean a lot to her.

She has a particular passion for supporting Casa de Peregrino’s, and she has donated three art pieces for them to sell during their fundraisers.

Anelise first participated in Kids Can when she was in the fourth grade, and she still reminds everyone to enjoy what they’re doing. “Have fun with it,” is one of her favorite quotes.

Over the past eight years, Anelise has created amazing artwork and cards. She even brings her supplies to the farmer’s market to create cards in person. She says that it can take up to 30-45 minutes to create each card for those that are very detailed. She sells them individually as well as in sets, ranging from $2- $8.

Anelise’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She recently placed second in the 3D category at the all-city high school art show, and she has also been named a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship.

During the COVID pandemic, Anelise branched out further in her creative skill set. She wrote her own children's book, “Cooper’s Tale,” that looked at the pandemic through a dog's eyes.

She is most inspired by the New Mexico sunsets, seasonal themes and space. You can find her amazing art on Instagram @Artforthe.world.