Christine's Master in Fine Arts
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Who I Am: Art is more than a passion for me -- it's a way of being in the world. Once I came to terms with how I was created to be and experience the world as an artist, I began to see it affect others around me. I began working with people to help them see their own life through this healing lens of art and creativity. I've witness lives change because of it (including my own).
In addition, I've been working hard the past few years on developing myself as a fine artist (after having worked as a professional commercial artist for over a decade). I've had the privilege of showing in several local galleries and museums, as well as taking home a few contest awards. Click here for the full rundown on my CV.

What I'm Trying to Do: And now I'm sensing an invitation to go deeper into my own practice through pursuing an Master of Fine Arts degree. For several years I've been searching, applying, and considering what my next steps would be. And I've realized that pursuing the MFA (highest academic degree for practicing artists) is my invitation. Having never had any formal education in art I'm craving the opportunity to deepen, and grow, and "incubate" in a community of like-minded artists. And as of yesterday I've been accepted into Azusa Pacific University's MFA program, but to take that life-changing step forward I need your help.
What it Will Cost: Attending APU's 4-year MFA program is a total tuition cost of over $40,000 (about $6,000/semester).
What I'm Asking of You: Help me fund the first semester's tuition ($6,000), and beyond, to help me save up to continue paying for the program as I go.
When I Need It: The first $500 I need to raise by April 21, 2017. The remaining portion of the $6,000 I need before June 30, 2017.

Why I'm Asking: With other professions with costly education programs there's often a path to a well paying career. For artists, however, that's much less likely. And yet I believe, as many of you do, that art (beauty+truth telling) is as necessary and important to life and the world as these other vocations (e.g., check out the video above, http://www.epiphanyvisio.com, or https://onbeing.org/podcasts/podcast.xml)
The Program: Azusa Pacific University's MFA program is unique in that it is a part-time program, only requiring me to be on campus for month long intensives, and a mid-year weekend, once per year. Why I'm excited about it is it will not only allow me to cultivate my artistic skills, but will foster my continued exploration of art as a spiritually and emotionally healing tool. I will have hands on access to studio space during my time on campus, and a faculty advisor and cohort to connect with throughout the year.
You Guys! (My Plea + The Ask): This is an opportunity so close I can taste it. But I literally c-a-n-n-o-t do it without you. AND if you're able and willing to help just a bit ($20), and 5 of your friends are willing to help just a bit, too ($20/each), then the first semester is covered! Even crazier, if you and 32 of your closest friends give $20/each, THE ENTIRE PROGRAM IS FUNDED!
Every little bit helps, so if you can donate $5, $10, $50, or $100 - great! You can also help by sharing this GoFundMe campaign (http://www.gofundme.com/christineleesmithmfa )
with your like-minded friends, families, and communities - wonderful!
THANK YOU! I already feel like an amazingly blessed lady to have a community like you to come before and ask for help to accomplish what feels like a huge dream. Thank you for being a part of that for me. And I can't express how, if we do this thing together and raise my tuition, how beyond grateful I will be. By your help, you are literally radically changing my life for the better. There are not enough words to express this level of grattitude I have for your help, your encouragement, your partnership.
To "taking a long, loving look at the real" through art, together.
Peace,
Christine Lee Smith

In addition, I've been working hard the past few years on developing myself as a fine artist (after having worked as a professional commercial artist for over a decade). I've had the privilege of showing in several local galleries and museums, as well as taking home a few contest awards. Click here for the full rundown on my CV.
What I'm Trying to Do: And now I'm sensing an invitation to go deeper into my own practice through pursuing an Master of Fine Arts degree. For several years I've been searching, applying, and considering what my next steps would be. And I've realized that pursuing the MFA (highest academic degree for practicing artists) is my invitation. Having never had any formal education in art I'm craving the opportunity to deepen, and grow, and "incubate" in a community of like-minded artists. And as of yesterday I've been accepted into Azusa Pacific University's MFA program, but to take that life-changing step forward I need your help.
What it Will Cost: Attending APU's 4-year MFA program is a total tuition cost of over $40,000 (about $6,000/semester).
What I'm Asking of You: Help me fund the first semester's tuition ($6,000), and beyond, to help me save up to continue paying for the program as I go.
When I Need It: The first $500 I need to raise by April 21, 2017. The remaining portion of the $6,000 I need before June 30, 2017.
Why I'm Asking: With other professions with costly education programs there's often a path to a well paying career. For artists, however, that's much less likely. And yet I believe, as many of you do, that art (beauty+truth telling) is as necessary and important to life and the world as these other vocations (e.g., check out the video above, http://www.epiphanyvisio.com, or https://onbeing.org/podcasts/podcast.xml)
The Program: Azusa Pacific University's MFA program is unique in that it is a part-time program, only requiring me to be on campus for month long intensives, and a mid-year weekend, once per year. Why I'm excited about it is it will not only allow me to cultivate my artistic skills, but will foster my continued exploration of art as a spiritually and emotionally healing tool. I will have hands on access to studio space during my time on campus, and a faculty advisor and cohort to connect with throughout the year.
You Guys! (My Plea + The Ask): This is an opportunity so close I can taste it. But I literally c-a-n-n-o-t do it without you. AND if you're able and willing to help just a bit ($20), and 5 of your friends are willing to help just a bit, too ($20/each), then the first semester is covered! Even crazier, if you and 32 of your closest friends give $20/each, THE ENTIRE PROGRAM IS FUNDED!
Every little bit helps, so if you can donate $5, $10, $50, or $100 - great! You can also help by sharing this GoFundMe campaign (http://www.gofundme.com/christineleesmithmfa )
with your like-minded friends, families, and communities - wonderful!
THANK YOU! I already feel like an amazingly blessed lady to have a community like you to come before and ask for help to accomplish what feels like a huge dream. Thank you for being a part of that for me. And I can't express how, if we do this thing together and raise my tuition, how beyond grateful I will be. By your help, you are literally radically changing my life for the better. There are not enough words to express this level of grattitude I have for your help, your encouragement, your partnership.
To "taking a long, loving look at the real" through art, together.
Peace,
Christine Lee Smith
Organizer
Christine Lee Smith
Organizer
Anaheim, CA
