Artist Dream: Study Abroad in Italy

Hello everyone, we are Gonzalo Alvarez and Grace Chadwick two young artists (and soulmates!) aspiring to study abroad in Italy. We are both Juniors majoring in Studio Arts at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Just to give you a bit of background here are biographies for us both.

Gonzalo Alvarez:
I am a 22 year old Printmaker/Illustrator, raised in Port Arthur, TX. I create detailed, uncanny socially-inspired artwork inspired by artists such as H.R Giger and Tim Burton. I grew up as a first-generation Hispanic, financially poor as my father was disabled from working and my mother could only help by being a door-to-door saleswoman. I also suffered a life-altering accident that drained me financially and physically. However, I am determined to become a successful artist and pull us out of poverty. Failing is not an option.

Grace Chadwick:
Born and raised in Texas, I am 24 years old and could not imagine my life without art. My family has lived all around Southeast Texas and it is a big part of my roots. My parents have always pushed me to follow what makes me happy and they believed in me; in 2010 my father took his life, which taught me never to take anything for granted. Part of the reason I want to go to Italy is for him, to honor the encouragement and passion he gave me. Being in the family that lives from paycheck to paycheck, I get all my funding from loans, Pell Grants, and scholarships, which only barely make the ends meet. My life is about creating emotional connections in Art and in people's lives.

What we are raising money for:
We are trying to acquire enough funds to be a part of the study abroad trip of Art and History based in Florence, Italy during Summer 2016. This program will last a month and is one of the top ten in the United States! Additionally, courses will travel to Venice, Siena, Chianti and Rome, giving us an incredible chance to learn and study where so many great artists once studied. The money will be used to pay for the housing, airfare, and tuition. The estimated expenses would be about $7000 each (See Below) and unfortunately, even with all of our income saved up, we would not be able to afford even one of us going without your help.

How we will use the money:
The money will be used to pay for the housing, airfare, tuition, and trip expenses to all of the sites that are part of the program including churches, museums, the Colosseum, the Vatican, and observe both city and country life and traditions. 

Why we need this!
We really want to be professional and successful artists and being a part of this program will not only educate us on history and culture, but our artistic abilities will flourish once we are exposed to some of the most profound artwork of our existence! This is the most important opportunity of our lives at the moment and we just really want to grow in our skill and intellectual levels.
What we need!
We only have all of December and January to acquire the funds needed. Missing any payment would mean we would be taken off the list and this being our last year, we would never get this chance again.
First Payment February 1st: 200-300$
Second Payment March 1st: 3,274$ each.
Third Payment April 1st: 3,274$ each.
What will you get out of this!
First, you'll help two struggling artists fulfill a dream, and fulfill the dreams of their parents. Second, you'll help the creation of great Art! And finally, We'll Make Some Art For You!
If you help fund our project,  WE WILL MAKE YOU A WORK OF ART, INSPIRED BY OUR TRIP TO ITALY.  We have different rewards available, but any and every person who donates will get a unique thank you letter from us!( even 1$ to 5$ donations will help us towards our goal!) To those who want a little more we have rewards for small drawings, paintings, and even a master work of art if you so choose! If you decide to donate more then the reward asks for, we can increase the size of your piece!
Just tell us which of the artists you'd prefer make you something (Gonzalo, Grace or a collaboration!) and we will do it, inspired by something we experience on our trip. 

Again thank you all for your donations and support and hopefully we will be saying thank you soon enough all the way from Italy!

Gonzalo Alvarez Website: www.gonzzink.com


SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Zaccarri Van Clarke for the amazing film he took the time to make for us and our Professor's Steven Zani and Xenia Fedorchenko for their help and support.