I want to gift my original art. Who pays for shipping?
Simply, you do. 
"You said free!?"
First, who's the focus of this question? Free for who? You, the CREATEandGIFTer or your art's grateful recipient? (We're often thinking of ourselves aren't we?) For one of you, this transaction is financially free, yes. 
The other (you, you Do-Gooder) might just find this freeing in a whole other way - maybe something worth exploring?

We recognize that, for some, this might be an obstacle to participating, but many have already joyously reported that the small shipping cost has been well worth the gift they've received in knowing (and sometimes seeing) their original artwork posted on a wall in the home of a total stranger around the world.
Also, sometimes recipients will happily offer to cover your shipping costs; that's a conversation for you two.
I can receive original art, completely for free? Shipping too?
Yes. Shipping costs are borne by the artist's generosity. 

However, considering they are offering their original art to you completely for free, you might take this opportunity to reciprocate their generosity in turn and offer to cover that shipping cost instead, on your end. It might be a small price to pay.
Additionally, it would be a kind gesture to share a photo back with the artist of what you will have done with their art - framed and hanging on a wall in your home, for instance (or in a jar). 

Post it on the CREATE and GIFT Facebook group too and we'll add it to the art around the world gallery. Be sure to check that out.
*Also, we are currently working to create a fund which will cover the shipping costs borne by artists generously sending their original art to a total stranger. Ideally, we think that would be awesome. 

If you'd like to help make that happen, please get in touch.
Since we're on the subject; let's talk about money.
Ah, the ever-present elephant. Money. It's important. Even here. In here though, we're just trying to make it less important. 

Not because there's anything inherently wrong with money, nor capitalism for that matter. As a means of exchange, money is simply a tool that allows us to value two otherwise dissimilar goods for the purpose of trade. That's smart. 

As you may have noticed however, nothing we humans seem to do is ever perfect. Faults and failures in our systems abound. So here at CREATE and GIFT, let's just bring our focus back to generosity and art. That's all.

(Interested in more on the Gift Economy? Charles)
Am I required to create something in order to receive art?
No. This forum is not an exchange, but a gift. 

Though of course, you are encouraged to find that inspiration to CREATE and GIFT within yourself.
I don't have to be an artist?
You already are an artist. 

Maybe you just don't do it often? Or like, ever?
What if no one requests my art?
Hey, hey, hey! Pick those shoulders up buddy. Don't worry; your first piece or two probably won't be requested. Accept it now before we continue. No big deal. Maybe it'll receive one pity "Like" from your Aunt. But you see, you have to post that crappy art anyway. Why? Because Facebook likes and your ego are not what this is about. Yea, you want to GIFT something to a total stranger; your generosity is awesome. But that is also secondary.

CREATE and GIFT is first about you. CREATING. And that takes time. And PRACTICE. It's not about showing the world your artist self. It's about showing yourself your artist self. 

First, we must lean in through that often awkward dip. Put yourself out there and say to the world, "I made this. And sure, here you go. Enjoy." Fail fast, as they say; and try to look at that inevitably ignored Facebook post as an opportunity to practice not taking things personally. Because remember too, CREATE and GIFT is an interaction that requires two people to work; nothing is ever just about us. Even if someone does like your art, they might be too shy to ask for it. That's also part of this equation, right? Getting comfortable learning to ask for what we want - it can be awkward. But that's something they'll have to work on. And maybe you too?

Alright, I'm done with the lecture. Get creatin'.
More than one person requested my art. To whom do I send it?
What a nice problem to have. We think the fairest solution to this problem is to send the piece to the first person who asked for it. Simple.

If you want to go that extra mile, contact your other fans and offer to CREATE something else for them.
How did this start?
The roots of CREATE and GIFT are in founder Adam Greenberg's previous project, Tonight's Watercolor, his successful new year's resolution to paint every night in 2010. (Check out the Denver 9 News interview on the video page.)

Probably not unlike yourself, Adam hadn't painted since 9th grade art class either. Because he didn't consider himself an artist, he wasn't looking to make money doing it; so he happily sent his originals away for free to whomever requested one first (yes, shipping too). But in giving those originals away for free he received a whole lot more.
It's true. We get more when we give.
Though not necessary, recipients were encouraged to donate to Haiti's 2010 earthquake disaster relief; and later, any cause in need.
It is in this spirit of service to each other that CREATE and GIFT continues.
This is your invitation.

(more than you're asking for about Adam at http://bio.AdamGreenberg.com)
Where do I start?
Take Nike's slogan to heart. Then click the "I'm ready to CREATE and GIFT!" button above.
Can I send prints of my art?
Well, we suppose you could generously send anything you want. However, the intention of CREATE and GIFT is to give an original piece of art; it doesn't have to be a painting, of course.
May I sell my art through this site?
No. CREATE and GIFT is not a marketplace to buy and sell. This forum is your opportunity to share original art and the real gifts to be enjoyed in creating, giving and receiving. Free. (Yes, shipping too.) 

You might enjoy a quick read of our values practiced or the other questions in this FAQ.
So there's no money. How do you run this site in the real world?
Well initially that took some money, of course. Adam considered it a worthwhile (yet still small) investment. (There are many ways to build websites for free these days. Weebly.com, for one.)

But as you expect, we're not raking it in. You may notice some ads on the site. Of course, we'd prefer not to have ads anywhere here at all. These are a trial experiment to see if we can break even in our web hosting costs. If you happen to find an ad relevant to you, please support us by checking it out. Otherwise, we hope you'll happily ignore them, as we do.

But, if you'd like to contribute to CREATE and GIFT for art supplies or our future truly free shipping endeavor (see above), that's incredibly appreciated; thanks.

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"Don't think about making art, just get it done. 
Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. 
While they are deciding make even more art." 
- Andy Warhol