31 Days of Thanks: Day 8
When I graduated from college I immediately started working on getting juried into the Kentucky Art Council’s Kentucky Crafted Program. I knew as I started my business, my affiliation with and the support of the Kentucky Arts Council and being a juried Kentucky Crafted artist would have a profound effect on my career. In addition to developing a following of retail customers, my participation in Kentucky Crafted: The Market exposed me to the wholesale marketplace and helped forge relationships with many Kentucky galleries who continue to carry my artwork today. Years later when I was ready to expand my business, I applied and was selected to represent Kentucky Crafted with a small group of other juried artists in a group booth at the Buyers Market of American Craft where I gained dozens of gallery accounts across the country. Many thanks to the Kentucky Arts Council and staff throughout the years who have impacted my career as an artist!...
Read More31 Days of Thanks: Day 7
I met her nearly a decade ago. She was a fellow conference attendee who happened to be a college theater professor half way across the United States. I was a recent college graduate still trying to find my way and break through the industry. We somehow got to talking and she took the time to review my resume and offer me some advice. While I have only seen her once since then at another conference a few years ago, the advice she gave me upon our first meeting still resonates in my mind on a daily basis. “If you have any intention to succeed you must be passionate about your work, persistent in your pursuit, and patient with your progress.” Thank you Claremarie Verheyen for instilling in me words to live...
Read More31 Days of Thanks: Day 6
I chose my college based on whether or not it had a fiber art program. During a local portfolio review day, Marsha, the Dean of the Art Department at Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio), was the only college representative to tell me I could potentially take a fibers class all eight semesters. Most colleges required you to take the basic foundation classes your freshman and sophomore year and would not allow you to start focusing on your concentration until junior year. Marsha’s offer was music to my ears. I held her to her word and that is exactly what I did. Throughout the eight semesters I took a fibers class, I learned all sorts of dyeing, weaving and surface design techniques under the guidance of Kitty, the fibers professor. I majored in Art with a concentration in Fibers and earned a Business minor. Thanks Marsha and...
Read MoreTwo States Closer
One of my goals is to have my artwork available in all 50 states. I am very excited to announce that in the past week I have received two new gallery orders, both of which are in new states. That means I am two states closer to having my artwork in all 50 states. 35 down. 15 to go. Super excited!
Read More31 Days of Thanks: Day 5
I was very involved on the wardrobe crew for my high school’s theater department. My friend Becca, first convinced me to go to the Drama Club meetings after school and knowing my love of fabric, later convinced me to help Kathy, the costume supervisor on the annual musical and play. While at Presentation I was able to shadow a second “woman in a career field that interested me”. This time I was able to follow around a dresser with the local Theatrical Wardrobe Union on a Broadway Series touring production of BIG. Thanks again go to Ms. Hall, coordinator of the leadership program, who reached out to Amy with the Broadway Series. Amy connected me with Ginger who I was able to follow around backstage for the entire performance. At the time, becoming a dresser did not quite seem like the right fit for me, but all that changed with a phone call. A few months later, Ginger became the Business Agent for the local Wardrobe Union. I still remember walking back to my dorm room my freshman year of college and having a message on the answering machine from Ginger. She asked me if I would be interested and available to dress and work as a seamstress for the upcoming four week run of The Phantom of the Opera. No need to think about it, I was immediately on board. Since then I have worked dozens of Broadway shows, Operas, Ballets and Concerts. I have earned two union cards for wardrobe (a challenging feat with no family or friends working in the industry). It is fun to be able to incorporate my fibers background into the theatrical wardrobe world. In addition to being a seamstress for Phantom and several other productions, I have had the opportunity to paint costumes for The Lion King (one of my Top 5 favorite shows!). I cannot thank Becca, Kathy, Charlie (my high school theater Director), Amy and Ginger enough for building the foundation of what has become my love of...
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