Emergency Working Artist Project Grant FY22

This funding will enable me to focus solely on this art project by helping cover my living expenses. This body of work will grow my relationship with ICF and other wildlife organizations that could buy my art. The funding will enable me to create 34 pen and ink (13? x19?) drawings and matching prints/notecards by: -Paying for the archival art paper and archival notecards (the only materials I don't already own.) -Paying my time to: 1) Sketch, compose, outline, and draw 34 originals. Then sign, emboss with my signature chop, all 34. 2) Take reproduction photographs, edit the photos in photoshop (stitch, dust, adjust color, contrast, and create the final printable image files.) 3) Print, sign, emboss, number, and package the 136 prints 13? x19? (4 of each image) and 136 notecards (4 of each image) with certificates of authenticity. These art products can generate ongoing income and increase my exposure. This project will grow my relationship with ICF and the conservation community. I recently did multiple projects like this with ICF (sending originals, prints and notecards) last time was 4 huge originals. I've done many big art projects: publishing books, stationery, and posters. I created the art for, wrote, and designed, The Book of Cranes (Pomegranate publishing) I've made 7,500+ museum-quality prints and note cards. I have years of experience in photographing, photoshopping, printing, packaging and shipping my art. My work engendered the trust of George Archibald, the Co-founder of The ICF. He is a supporter of this project. I've packaged and shipped many originals and museum-quality archival prints and note cards. I own the supplies/equipment needed for this project. I packaged art for transport professionally for years and always package my art. Since moving to Duluth in 2015, I've done multiple series (paintings and drawings) I did 2 one-person exhibitions at the Karpeles Museum, and I was interviewed about them on WDIO TV, KUMD, and Zenith City News.I will know I have successfully executed this project when: -I have my completed and signed 34 original 13? x19? pen and ink drawings packaged and ready for delivery to The International Crane Foundation (ICF.) -I have my 136 prints and 136 notecards (reproductions of the 34 originals) printed, signed, embossed, numbered, in their archival sleeves, accompanied by individually signed certificates of authenticity packaged and ready for delivery to ICF. -I receive confirmation from Rose Boyajian (ICF Gallery Manager) that the 24 Original Botanical Drawings and corresponding 136 Prints (4 of each image printed 13? x19?) 136 notecards (4 of each image) have arrived safely. An additional signpost of success (this one's outside of my control) is when the first sale of my art products or originals is made through the ICF physical or online store. My products that they currently have in stock made a sale on the first day they were announced and have sold consistently since.