Individual Artist Project Grant

It is no revelation that LQBTQ people experience widespread discrimination, violence, and other forms of prejudice. Stigma towards queer folks limits access to critical resources like healthcare and employment. Intervention to prevent these stigmas is absolutely warranted. There is power in a portrait. I have witnessed firsthand the gender-affirming effects that my portraits can contain. Portraits are humanizing. Often the people who hold the most damaging opinions about the LGBTQ+ community do not have a personal relationship with any queer individuals. I believe the simple act of displaying images of these folks will normalize and humanize queerness in our city. There is healing in storytelling. For those individuals who feel comfortable sharing, the opportunity to speak their pain has the potential to be a cathartic exercise. This series will be a platform for queer people to share their stories. Like my past shows, I know that this series will have an audience. I want to utilize this audience in the most impactful way possible. Trans Plus is a local organization that I have worked with in the past. They provide connections, services, and care to trans+ people. At each show opening, I will have information present about Trans Plus and their services. The issues that queer people face could not be more serious. Actions such as these could be potentially lifesaving. Socially, the intent of this portrait series is to voice LGBTQ+ experiences in a safe environment that is conducive to conversation. To ensure that this is achieved, I will be consulting representatives at Trans Plus prior to and after the showings. In terms of marketing, my goal is to be featured on 2 or more news platforms before each opening. This coverage will help me to meet my attendance goal, which is 130 people between the two venues. Being featured on local and statewide news will also aid in expanding my reach outside of my existing circle. For this event, I am not seeking to target a specific demographic as an audience. my objective is to attract twin ports residents of any race, ethnicity, age, or gender. As an individual artist, I intend to deepen my technical abilities in rendering a subject. Finally, I aim to grow my ability to conceptualize and communicate concepts. I am very familiar with the process of putting an exhibition together. My most recent show was "Trauma Queen" at the UWS Kruk Gallery. For this I had student volunteers to work with, exemplifying my coordination and time management skills. The event was well attended and well received. My first show "Magdalene" was made possible by committing to a concept and following through on self-imposed deadlines. I now have enough experience to know how long it takes to create, promote, and host a show. In addition to this, I have organized various community events with "The Embassy", the most recent being "Boubville" which drew over 150 people. The process of organizing this grant-funded show is already underway. "All Dressed Up // Nowhere to Go" already has two confirmed exhibition spaces: Wussow's Concert Cafe and the Prove Gallery. I know I have the support and tools needed to complete the series. When I consider my past work, I am confident that I will create a successful exhibition. My meetings with Trans Plus after the show openings will be a tool to asses the success of the series mission. I will ask them to provide me with feedback and suggestions for the future. I will also source feedback by holding a panel discussion at Prove including the portrait models. In addition to receiving critique on my artworks, I am keen to hear the perspective of those featured in the paintings. At my last show, 55 people attended the opening. I would like to increase the attendance by 10 people, aiming for 65 attendants for each opening. (130 people reached total) I will keep track of attendees by having a sign-in book. I will measure my technical growth by the successful use of new materials, and the execution of unique lighting and tone. To evaluate my conceptual success, I will schedule a discussion with my mentor Troy Rogers, an artist with decades of experience in fine art. This feedback will serve as invaluable information that I will carry to my future projects.