Artist Fellowship

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,290
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Emily A. Derke
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
July 2016
End Date
July 2017
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
St. Louis
Cook
Carlton
St. Louis
Cook
Carlton
Project Overview
Artist Fellowship
Project Details
Support to create a new collection of basketry works, improve skills in aesthetic design and material use, and attend a 6-day willow basketry workshop.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
Ken Bloom: Director of Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Janeen Carey: vocalist, retired Hibbing Community College librarian and information media specialist; Kate Fitzgerald: Program Director for North Shore Music Association, writer; David Beard: Assistant Professor of writing studies, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Adam Guggemos: graphic designer, art events promoter; Michelle Ronning: jewelry designer and maker; John Gregor: photographer, art educator, community art advocate; Ann Russ: music performer, community song leader, choir director, workshop leader, past director and founder of North Shore Music Association; Tara Makinen: Executive Director of Itasca Orchestra and Strings, musician; Dana Mattice: Development and Communications Director of The Art Institute Duluth; Moira Villiard: visual artist and student of arts and communication at University of Wisconsin-Superior; Jeanne Doty: Retired Associate Professor of music, University of Minnesota-Duluth, pianist; Candace LaCosse: North House Folk School instructor, leatherwork designer and crafter.
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Ken Bloom: Board member; Erik Redix: Professor of Native Studies, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Karen Savage-Blue: visual artist; Christian McShane: musician; Amy Sharpe: fine craft, literature; Veda Zuponcic: musician.
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2015 Special Session, chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,290
Other Funds Leveraged
$3,710
Direct expenses
$7,000
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.00
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Through setting aside time to work, attending workshops and creating pieces for my portfolio, I will develop a stronger creative voice as I grow as an artist. During the fellowship period, I will designate 20 hours per month for creative development in the form of practice, creation, and preparation. Through creating many new pieces and exploring ideas, I will conclude the year with eight finalized pieces that will be photographed for my portfolio. I will also attend two workshops that will enhance my technical skill and overall artistic directions. As I dedicate time to creative development, I will see a notable improvement in my work. Having the ability to focus on design elements and how to work with materials in new ways will give my portfolio pieces a distinct artistic voice. The portfolio pieces I create will show my skill as an artist, and portray my work in a professional and cohesive way. Attending workshops will help me in the process of developing my artistic skill and voice. The purchase of new tools and a camera will make it easier for me to do my work well, and document it properly.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Throughout this project, I spent the designated amount of time per month working on improving my skill set. Through repetition, skill building exercises, and having focused time set aside, I was able to create 8 new pieces to become a part of my portfolio that show the best aspects of my work. This year I have also created a website for myself, which features my new portfolio pieces, as well as events and classes that I will be holding. Because of having this designated time to work, I have been able to create my best work yet, and have developed an increased level of professionalism as an artist through creating a website. As part of this project, I also purchased necessary tools and materials for continuing my work. I also attended the Willow Gathering in Decorah, Iowa for 7 days where I took classes from world renowned basketmakers. At this event, was shocked by how much I was able to learn both in class, and through spending time with other weavers. This was an amazing opportunity to take more advanced classes and connect with the basketry community from around the world. I will be sure to attend again.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Project Manager
First Name
Emily
Last Name
Derke
Organization Name
Emily A. Derke
State
MN
Phone
(763) 245-7050
Email
EmilyDerke@hotmail.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

424 West Superior Street, Suite 104
Duluth, MN 55802

Phone
Project Manager: Rebecca Graves
218-722-0952
Email the Agency