It's vital for artists to have a system of support to provide the resources needed to cultivate their talent and potential. I feel more responsibility than ever to give back to this wonderful organization, which is why I'm asking you to consider making a gift to Artist Trust.

GiveBIG starts tomorrow, May 3, but you can schedule your donation now and it will be matched $1 for $1 by Artist Trust's Board of Trustees and stretched by Seattle Foundation.

When I joined the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan in 1997, art was still considered more of a hobby than a profession in that region of the world. My family wanted me to be a doctor, but I knew I had to follow my heart and go to art school. It was the first time I stood up for what I believed in.

I believe that artists have a responsibility to address social issues, stereotypes, and taboos in order to promote change.

In my work, I aim to start conversations around miscarriage, gender roles, relationships, and freedom. I work mainly ญญwith wood in order to bring a woman's voice to a male-dominated medium.

When I moved to Washington, I was worried about establishing myself all over again. I soon learned that there was funding available for individual artists through Artist Trust. I was awarded a Grant for Artist Projects (GAP) in 2014 and a Fellowship in 2015, both of which provided time, materials, and most importantly, confidence and independence to push my work to a new phase.

Your generosity to Artist Trust today will ensure that Washington State continues to be a community with artists at its heart.

Sincerely,

Your generous gift helps Artist Trust make a difference for artists like Humaira Abid.

Donate online via GiveBIG and your gift goes even further!

Make your tax deductible donation online now, or donate May 3 through GiveBIG.

Since 1986, Artist Trust has invested over $10 million in Washington State artists of

all disciplines through grants, residencies, and professional development programming. Find out more at www.artisttrust.org.