Help send Bryan to Japan!

I've been offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Japan to work with a Master furniture maker.
For those of you who know me, woodworking is a passion of mine and something I hope to turn into a career. I studied at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and received my Master’s in Fine Arts/artisanry with a focus on furniture design. My education has been great, and so has been living in New England. I've had a chance to join a community of artists and see that there are real viable careers in the arts. The offer to now travel to Japan will let me add to my experience, to see hands-on the 'business' of art and craft internationally, and develop the skills and expertise to ready myself for my own career.

With your support, it is my intent to journey to Japan and research the age old traditions of Japanese woodworking. This is an independent research trip that will consist of staying with an internationally acclaimed Master woodworker, observing his practice and working directly alongside him. During my stay, I will be making traditional Japanese tools and furniture. As an artist, this is truly a life and career-changing opportunity. I’ll get to improve upon what I’ve learned by working within a culture that still holds great value in its ancient traditional crafts.

I have a deep respect for my medium and want to work with a Master who shares this love as well. My trip will culminate with assisting in installing a show in the Ginza district of Tokyo, Japan that will consist of my wood master's work. This opportunity will further help me pursue networking opportunities that will aid in building my career. The funding will go towards my transportation there, my living expenses, and material fees that I will encounter.

What's in it for you?

Well first of all you're awesome for reading this far.

Second of all your donation is very important to helping me get to study in Japan.

To show my appreciation

I'll be hand making you a gift such as thank you selfies from Japan 10, key chains 20, a pair of sake coasters 50, chopsticks 75, cutting boards 80, push button boxes 100, and Japanese tea tables for the more generous donors 1,000+.