Individual Artist Project Grant

At the core of this project is a hope to introduce the public to fine art that also aligns with the mission of the Great Lakes Aquarium of appreciating and preserving our local environment. The Aquarium receives 30% of the artwork sale income, directly supporting the work they do in educating the public, protecting our water, caring for the building's animals and fish, providing quality exhibits and experiences, and contributing to the region as a quality tourist destination with conscience. I believe my artwork further highlights the natural treasures we have in this community, and I think there's something to be said for giving people an opportunity to encounter art in unexpected places such as this. Additionally, this exhibition speaks to mental health and pause, giving permission to rest, and experiencing the benefit of spending time observing and appreciating the world around us. I intend to write about this both in the exhibition catalog, as well as on the painting labels, as this time I've spent searching for peace in the woods and along the lakes has been one of emotional turmoil, acceptance, wisdom-gained, and ultimately coming to a point of renewal in myself. Just as the fields rest each winter to create fertile ground for spring seeds, I speak to the necessity of this for every person as observed in the changing seasons and myself. I believe this mental health conversation is one that needs to be continuously had as we navigate this pandemic time.The goals and measurable outcomes I aim to accomplish with this grant are: - Frame 38 paintings beautifully and professionally so that my artwork is presented optimally - Provide 20 prints for visitor purchase in the Aquarium's gift shop - Market myself, my art, and the Great Lakes Aquarium through postcards and posters - Create a special limited-edition book of my paintings - Stretch my artwork's reach through a solo exhibition at the largest venue I've worked with to date, demonstrating that I can produce a large show, and setting me up for solo shows at larger venues and opportunities in the future. - Engage a great number of people with the arts, appreciation of nature, and exposure to the beauty of Duluth and the North Shore - Add to the quality of artistic works coming out of both the city of Duluth and the State of Minnesota, and engage in the development of a vibrant arts environment in the Arrowhead Region I have received multiple grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council in the past and have successfully executed and completed the projects for each one in alignment with what I stated I would do. I have a strong will to progress as an artist and have used grants to successfully keep my career moving forward in reasonable steps and increments of greater skill, responsibility, and exposure. I am currently working on the paintings for this collection and have a clear idea of what I am capable of, what I can complete, what the show may realistically cost me financially, and how to self-direct through the process. I have experience with organizing every aspect of a solo show and have very carefully priced out the components of this proposal. I have no doubt that I have the self-discipline, organizational ability, print and framing relationships, and determination to pull together each piece of this project.This project will be a success if I accomplish the goals listed previously. I can measure that as follows: - At the end of the project, I will submit a final report to ARAC demonstrating that I used the funds provided to frame the paintings, order the prints, marketing materials, and catalogs, and accomplish the production of this exhibition. I will also include photos of the exhibit. - I have set my project end date after the close of the exhibition so that I am able to report on any sales, attendance records, opportunities, or feedback that comes as a result. I will leave a guest book in the exhibit space, which is always a good way to gauge the reaction of vi