*UPDATE* I’m going to Penland! Thanks to donations of friends and family, I raised the money!
At the end of 2016 I decided to commit myself to growing as an artist. Since then I’ve worked really hard to stretch myself and grow in ways I never imagined. Here’s a sample of my work from the past year and a half:
- I had the idea for (and manifested) an art exhibit for female artists titled “Stronger Together” and it was held at Word Revolt Art Gallery in March of 2018.
- I’ve become a mentor to a handful of local artists who want to turn their talents into a successful small business
- I have an ongoing partnership/collaboration a local ceramicist and art teacher and together we’ve designed over 10 mugs
- I applied to Riverside Arts Market for the first time and have setup at over 20 RAM markets
- I’ve been asked to setup at several local art events like Urban Bean and Element Earth Works
- I had a “pop-up” shop at West Elm in the Town Center
- I hosted a “Lightbulb Vase” workshop with The Makery
- I’ve facilitated 3 SoulCollage classes
- I built my own website
So now what?
What Is Penland:
Penland (501(c)3) is a national center for craft education located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains founded in 1929. The school offers workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, wood, and other media. Penland sponsors artist residencies, a gallery and visitors center, and community education programs. Students come from all walks of life and range from 18 to 80+ years of age from absolute beginners to professional craftspeople.
Why I’m Asking For Help:
I learned about Penland a year ago and knew I wanted to be there. I waited months (8 of them) until I could apply for a scholarship for the Summer term and despite two artist friends of mine writing amazing recommendation letters , my not having a job (because I run I Still Matter full time-and don’t get paid) along with photos of personal art portfolio…I didn’t get one. (see scan of sad letter below)
About the Course: “Conversations With Nature” (Yes, Please!)
“Paying close attention to marks that time has left behind in nature and the environment, this workshop will explore ideas while expanding visual and conceptual language. Students will be encouraged to use natural resources and found objects in creating outdoor installations as well as objects in the studio. This class is less of a how-to and more of an experience in discovery, questioning, and finding ongoing ways of working. All levels.”
Why I want (need) to go:
- The class I want to take is being taught by professional and international artist Kyoung Ae Cho who is currently Chair/Professor at Peck School of the Arts at the University of Milwaukee
- The class I want to take is titled Mixed Media: Conversations with Nature, and would, not only compliment my current style but could enhance my style and kick it up a notch…or ten.
- I’ve never taken a professional art class. I can only imagine how much the experience could enrich what talents I already have and possibly even take my abilities to a new level.
- I want my art to make an impact.
- I want to nourish my creativity in a creative environment.
- I want to learn from other artists.
- I want to challenge myself and learn new techniques.
- I want to use what I learn to teach others new skills and techniques.
- I want to become a better leader and what other way to become a better leader but to become the student?
Help Me Get There: (GOFUNDME removed! Thanks to donations of friends and family I am able to go!)
Buy My Art (that helps): Local Goods Market
I love you all so much and wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your encouragement.
~ Carmen
