Individual Artist Award (Grant)

I did it! "What, like it's hard?" (-Elle Woods)

Actually... yes. It was incredibly hard. This grant took weeks of drafting, refining, and second-guessing every sentence. There were moments where I wasn't sure if I was getting my vision across, but I just kept at it. Somehow, I did well enough to be selected, and I am still pinching myself.

I am beyond excited to keep creating. This support means so much for the projects that connect me to all of you. It’s going to help me keep the Little Free Gift Shop stocked with new surprises, and it’s a huge factor in keeping the art vending machine at that $5 price point. Making art accessible is so important to me, and this award makes that mission a lot more sustainable.

And of course... there will be supplies! I am so ready to go shopping for clay and a few more fun glazes. You guys!!!!! OMG, I'm so excited.

Looking back, it’s wild to think that just a few years ago, I was working with a total of about five glazes. I made it work, but I always promised myself that every time I went back for more clay, I’d add just one or two new colors to the shelf. It’s an investment, so I’ve been building my palette slowly, piece by piece. Now, thanks to this, I might finally grab those specific glazes I have been dying to try for years!

Thank you all for being on this journey with me. I can’t wait to show you what comes out of the kiln.

Thank you so much CMAB and the McKnight Foundation <3