When I applied for a 2014 Artist Trust Fellowship, I was in a bind. I had been working toward my first solo museum show at Bellevue Arts Museum, pouring my heart and soul into creating six large sculptural ceramic pieces. It had taken over my life, and so I had not sold any work that year. As a studio artist dependent on sales for income, I was literally out of cash.
Artist Trust saved the day!
I received a call that I had been chosen for a $7,500 Fellowship. With the funds, I was able to buy time and materials to create. I was not forced to get a job simply to pay bills. I concentrated on finishing my work and I had a successful show at BAM, which became a catalyst for many other good things to come. I have sold one major piece, and others will follow. The long-term impact of my having a solo show is still playing itself out and probably will for some time.
I did not fully understand the scope of what Artist Trust does until after I received the Fellowship and attended an event - this year's Benefit Art Auction, to which I donated a small piece. I now have a greater appreciation of the deep commitment that Artist Trust has to all kinds of individual artists at different points in their careers, and the range of opportunities they provide - from money to business training. I also realized how many people it takes to keep Artist Trust fueling artists in our community.
It's a great feeling for artists to know that as we develop and our career grows, there's an organization whose sole mission is to back us up. We are lucky to have Artist Trust here in our state.
Artist Trust affected the trajectory of my career path. Please help Artist Trust continue to grow other working artists' careers. Click here to donate - your gift of any amount matters in the life of an artist.
Sincerely,
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