My name is Lisa Bell, and I am a painter, illuminator, and scribe. My work is essentially a modern take on Medieval illuminated manuscripts and Christian art. I'm based in Hartford, CT, and have done many installations of my work in various churches, galleries, and other cultural centers throughout CT and New York City. I have been offered an amazing opportunity: to show my work in an exhibition at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland. I am very excited, but I need to provide funding for the exhibition, and doing a show like this is very expensive. I will need money for framing, transporation, international shipping of my artwork (about 20 framed pieces, some large scale), crating, display easels, an opening reception, and all the other things that go into making a successful show. It's also coming up very quickly - the show will open in early January. While I'm there, I plan to seek out more opportunities to show my work and further my career as an artist. Ireland is unique in the history of text-based art and illumination - this one small island has an incredibly rich history of manuscripts, and its influence can be felt across continents and throughout centuries. Being able to show my work in this space, the spiritual heart of Dublin, means the world to me, because Irish manuscripts have had such a profound effect on me and on my art. In a way, it's like bringing my work back to its home. Your donation can help make this incredible opportunity happen. I will be so grateful if you can help me make this dream come true.