Individual Artist Project

The selected exhibitors' artwork no doubt will promote and support the mission of the Split Rock Lighthouse Photography and Art at the Rock program which is to ?celebrate the marvels of nature and the boundless creativity of artists and photographers who draw inspiration from the awe-inspiring landscapes of Lake Superior, the North Shore, and northern Minnesota.? Art that honors something so inherent to a community as its own natural environment is poised to draw residents and visitors into more of what makes Northern Minnesota special, unique, and worth spending time in and supporting. My focus on nature's striking landscapes in and around the wilderness surrounding the Gunflint Trail further supports aspects of wilderness protection, eco-tourism supporting local lodges, resorts, outfitters, and the many businesses operating in and around the wilderness, increased social awareness of environmental sustainability efforts, a more collective wilderness ethos, and simply attracting more people to spend more time in nature and the many physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health benefits that come along with it. ; My goals for this exhibit are to produce a more extensive body of work that represents my favorite aspects of the natural world in Northern Minnesota, grow in my style and skill in the area of blended color work, discover ways to produce large pieces with increased efficiency and scale, learn which aspects and themes resonate most with the general public, and increase awareness of myself as an artist. While creating needle felting art fills my own soul and I enjoy taking on private commissions, I also desire to pursue commercially selling my art and hope to be profitable in that endeavor. Having a solo exhibit in such a prominent, renowned and popular historical landmark will provide the perfect opportunity to test and assess each of these goals. I have committed my participation to Split Rock Lighthouse, and I will honor that, regardless of whether or not I receive this grant. The grant will significantly relieve the burden on my finances. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity early in my artistic career and plan to make the most of it. The exhibit will likely provide income from sales, visibility within the art community of Northern Minnesota, additional exhibit opportunities, and private commissions. I recently committed three pieces to the North Shore Artist's League 5th Annual Member Show. I began and finished all three pieces in under three weeks and delivered them on time. Last fall, I finished eight commissioned pieces on time and as planned. I am diligent, detailed, and organized, thriving in planning and completing tasks. I've planned and prioritized the exhibit pieces, mocked up wall layouts, and have many materials on hand. I am already ahead of schedule, having completed six smaller pieces in nine days. ; I plan to measure the outcomes of the above goals by the number of pieces finished and included in the exhibit, the number of and total area covered by unique color blends incorporated into each piece, the amount of time each piece requires to create, which pieces at what sizes and in what themes sell during the exhibit, including the quantity and price points, and the amount of exposure I gain through social media followers, post shares, news pieces, and any follow-on exhibit invitations.