Giving and receiving

I should be working on a grant application right now.

Image credit: shescraftyllc/etsy.com

The best I can tell you is "I'm approaching it... sideways." I know it's possible for a foundation to award me a grant. I'm still (!) thrilled that earlier this year, a group of people decided it's better to give (me money to continue making art) than to receive (a polite rejection letter instead).

Everyone receives more rejection than gifts, of course. It's just hard to focus on a new application when you've recently been notified that the last one was turned down. The check is not in the mail. Ugh.

Can I just go holiday shopping instead?

Winning an artist grant: stunned and grateful

This is how it feels to find out you've won grant money to support your art.

I was worried I must be hallucinating or something, when the Sustainable Arts Foundation emailed me:

Say what now? They said yes?

I'm still stunned. Even better, the award comes from an organization dedicated to helping artists keep making art while juggling parenthood. Honestly, I don't know of any other opportunity that recognizes the existence of artists raising children, let alone the particular challenges of this life. I'm also impressed with the diverse backgrounds of the visual artists and writers selected. This grant will go straight towards funding my Great Mystery Project! 

Taking the first steps into an art career with Artist Trust, at North Seattle College. ©Lisa Myers Bulmash

I got the news just before I delivered my final presentation about Artist Trust at North Seattle College. How poetic: I'm now a living example of how important it is to keep applying for funding opportunities, just like in the the ATAL talk. Wow. Just think: if it happened to me, it could happen to you!

Artist Trust At Large: south Sound-bound

Maybe I was intoxicated by the sunshine, but the University of Puget Sound was looking really good the other day. The art department's Kittredge Gallery, the Wheelock Student Center across the street... just charming.

Come see for yourself: I'll be upstairs in the student center for my Artist Trust At Large presentation next week! Details:

Remember, this event is FREE and open to artists of all disciplines. At previous presentations, I've met musicians, performers who perform traditional dances from India, sculptors and painters just to name a few. You're bound to have some interesting conversations with new people after the talk. Looking forward to seeing you there!