Burren College of Art Residency

Claire Helgeson is organizing this fundraiser.

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What's new: I was recently accepted to be a resident artist at the Burren College of Art in County Clare, Ireland. The college is located in my favorite place on earth, An Bhoireann, the Burren. It is a sacred place, a vast expanse of limestone rock interwoven with ancient underground rivers and riddled with dolmáin, ancient burial tombs, and toibreacha, holy wells. The college is intentionally situated there as a place of healing and inspiration. I have been invited to spend the month of January, 2022 there to focus on art and art alone in the company of their world-class faculty. This would be an opportunity for dedicated time and instruction to grow my skills as an artist.

The heart of it: Being accepted to this program means so much to me. It feels like validation that my deepest hopes and dreams can become my reality. Art has always been my place of confidence, calm, connection and excitement. This residency will be in line with my study of the Irish language, and my pursuit of connection to a place where my ancestors come from. I draw so much inspiration from this journey and feel the pull to continue on it.

What I need: I am looking for help funding my travel, housing, and cost of materials. I have been applying for grants as well, but there aren't many options that fit my timeframe. Any support would be so helpful and useful to me.

My path: I have been in my first ever art studio for a few months now in Juneau, Alaska working away on my first ever book illustration project. I am applying for my first ever grants to fund my personal art practice. After this residency, I hope to pursue an artist fellowship through a local organization in Alaska that would provide me with professional development and a stipend for a year to do art. This fellowship would culminate in me applying for a bigger grant through the same organization with a big project proposal that I will have developed on art and cultural heritage. I am so excited!

Covid note: I will only participate in this program if the college and the Irish boarder remain open. If things change, I have the option to reschedule for the summer of 2022. In this case, all funds will be saved for later use for.