When Travis Henry of Quarryville was 10 years old, he began to create paintings using the acrylic pouring technique. Travis decided to try the method when his mother, Melissa Henry, found a painting that was made using acrylic pours, and she encouraged him to give it a try. After Travis watched a few YouTube videos to learn the technique, he used it to create a painting for Melissa. In the process, Travis discovered a passion for art; three years later, he's using his creativity to make a difference in the community.

In 2021, Travis created Travis' Crafts, a business that allows him to sell his acrylic paintings. Travis was challenged by his extensions teacher at Clermont Elementary School, Ryan Humphries, to complete a summer project that would take him out of his comfort zone. Travis created his business for the assignment, and his first official sale was held at a yard sale in his brother's neighborhood. "Mr. Humphries' goal for us over the summer was for us to do something new that would help us grow as a person," Travis said. "Since I enjoyed making the artwork, I figured I could sell some of it."

Although Travis launched his artistic career with acrylic pours, the young painter has since broadened his catalog to include items such as Christmas ornaments, jewelry, vases, keychains and bookmarks. Travis also taught himself to sew pet toys for cats and dogs, and he creates his jewelry from runoff paint from the acrylic pouring process that would otherwise go to waste.

Since founding his business, Travis has used it to support a variety of nonprofits throughout Lancaster County and other parts of the country. Every year, Travis donates a painting to Hospice & Community Care's Labor Day Auction, which he has attended for many years with his mother and grandparents.

In addition to Hospice & Community Care, Travis uses his business to support multiple animal rescues such as Noble Hill Rescue, the Organization for the Responsible Care of Animals, Scallywags Animal Rescue and Magzalea Farm Sanctuary in New Hampshire. When Travis was in third grade, he was inspired to advocate for animals after reading a book titled "Pumpkin's Story." The book tells the story of a miniature horse at a real-life animal sanctuary, and Travis donated supplies and a portion of his proceeds to the sanctuary until its closure. For his 11th birthday, Travis completed the Betty White Challenge by donating to 11 different animal rescues.

Travis, who is now 13 years old and attends Swift Middle School, continues to sell his creations at craft shows and community events throughout the county. To learn more, search "Travis' Crafts" on Facebook.