Artist Access Grants

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Michelle L. Defoe
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
October 2019
End Date
April 2020
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
St. Louis
St. Louis
Project Overview

Artist Access Grants

Project Details

A series of acrylic paintings based on dreams that I already have recorded in writing on paper.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications

Tara Makinen: Executive Director of Itasca Orchestra and Strings, musician; Amber Burns: choreographer, dancer, actor, middle school art teacher; Tammy Mattonen: visual artists, co-founder of Crescendo Youth Orchestra; Kayla Aubid: Native American craft artist, writer, employee at MacRostie Art Center; Ariana Daniel: mixed media artist, arts instructor; Kathy Neff: musician, Director, Fine Arts Academy at the University of Minnesota-Duluth; Ron Piercy: jeweler, gallery owner; Emily Swanson: arts administrator at Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community; Christina Nohre: writer and arts advocate.

Advisory Group Members and Qualifications

Tara Makinen: Executive Director of Itasca Orchestra and Strings, musician; Amber Burns: choreographer, dancer, actor, middle school art teacher; Tammy Mattonen: visual artist, co-founder of Crescendo Youth Orchestra; Kayla Aubid: Native American craft artist, writer, employee at MacRostie Art Center. Ron Piercy: jeweler, gallery owner.

Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2019 First Special Session, chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access ACHF Arts Education ACHF Cultural Heritage

2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$0
Direct expenses
$1,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

These are my project goals: 1. Select 6 dreams to create into paintings from my dream journal 2. Create sketches from dream details that will become paintings 3. Create 6 acrylic paintings 4. Learn and apply at least 3 new painting skills 5. Move my painting space from my bedroom to the painting studio and work in a bigger space 7. Apply to show my work at different galleries. This is how I will measure my success: 1. Create a timeline chart with one dream chosen for each month. This will help me with time management and to stay focused on completing smaller goals. 2. Make a list of artists who I would like to meet with and learn about new painting skills and techniques. Obtain their contact info and set up meetings with at least 2 artists. Take notes on our conversations to look back on for later use. 3. Spend time researching Youtube videos on various painting techniques. Create videos of myself applying at least 3 of these techniques. 4. Create weekly schedules for studio time to make sure I'm using the studio space as much as I can. I will create a schedule every Sunday to plan studio time for the week. I will be in the studio space at least twice a week. 5. Check my AICHO artists Facebook page weekly to keep updated on upcoming shows and events. Apply for at least one art exhibit.

Measurable Outcome(s)

One of my goals was to create a larger inventory. I was able to complete 3 out of the 6 paintings so I was still able to grow my inventory. I also completed the dream descriptions and sketches so that my next paintings are already in the planning process. One of my other goals was get my work out there more and apply for art exhibits. I was able to complete one of my paintings and show it immediately after in an art exhibit at AICHO galleries. I was also asked to submit a piece for an upcoming exhibit at the same gallery in the fall of 2020. I did meet this goal but I also believe this will be an ongoing process. Another goal that I had was to start using profits to pay for my own supplies and printing costs. I bought table space at several art sales around the holiday season to sell my work in hopes that I could start making enough to meet this goal. What I learned is that this process will take longer than I expected after paying table costs and time there was not much profit.

Proposed Outcomes Achieved
Achieved Most of the Proposed Outcomes
Source of Additional Funds

Other,local or private

Project Manager
First Name
Michelle
Last Name
Defoe
Organization Name
Michelle L. Defoe
State
MN
Phone
(218) 481-4214
Email
waabanangagokwe@gmail.com
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency