Dylan's Masters of Fine Arts Thesis Show

Hello!

My name is Dylan Fitzgibbons! I am an aspiring artist, currently in graduate school as a ceramic artist at Arizona State University, Tempe. (I assume you know some of this already since you are on this page ;P)

To the point, I am in motion right now to have my first ever solo exhibition as a final requirement for my graduate degree, with an opening night of November 3rd. This past summer I took every opportunity possible to make money in anticipation of material costs and of course, cost of living. Unfortunately, not but a week ago my car had MAJOR repairs, about $3,000 worth. Resulting in a total drain on all my funds I had worked so hard for.

(Side note, as my mother likes to point out, it’s still great to have been able to actually pay off such a large vehicle repair on my own! Moving up!)

Before this car debacle, I had already priced out the materials costs of the show to be around $2000. As it stands now, I cannot afford additional materials to complete my show plans as well as create and send out promotional materials.

A solo exhibition is a really large stepping point for any artist. We get to develop a large coherent body of work for the purpose of expressing a concept that we hold dear to us. Frankly, I am immensely proud of the work and plans that I have been developing these past 3 years at ASU and I don't want to see it cut short or stifled by a poorly timed vehicle repair. My time here has truly been one of growth and development as an artist and person. I very desperately want to end my time at ASU with as much of a bang as possible. I have had such great teachers/mentors, support, and friends help me reach this point. I want to ensure that all their time, efforts, and trust shows through the things I am able to accomplish with this show!!

As such, I am turning to you all and asking that, if you have the financial capability and interest, to please invest in me. Please, help me produce this solo gallery exhibition to its most complete form and let me show you (and myself!) what I am really capable of as an artist right now!!

The $3000.00 goal is to cover the estimated $2000.00 material cost and estimated $1000.00 promotional and exhibition vinyl cost.

I should also note that since my solo exhibition is set to open on November 3rd, that all the work and logistical things need to be completed 1-2 weeks ahead of that time. I need to purchase the materials as soon as possible to ensure a fair delivery window and allow myself time to process the materials into the works for the show. Because of these facts, the deadline for this funding request will be October 1st, which is the same day as my final committee meeting for my show, which will be the perfect time to let them know if the show needs a major overhaul to account for a lack of funds, OR that we are greenlit to go!

Lastly, I want to assure everyone that I have searched for funding opportunities here at the college, and around elsewhere. I am applying to grants where they come up, and juried shows with cash prizes when available, but those are all competitive and hold no guarantees unfortunately.

I am keenly aware that this ask is also one of a privileged state. In contrast, this exhibition means very little to the other struggles in the world. This is truly a selfish ask; I do not deny that. I know that we all have our pressures and problems in our lives, and I entirely respect that!

Please only consider donating to this goal if you find yourself in a position where it will not negatively impact you.

If you do choose to donate, thank you. From the depths of my heart, I deeply appreciate your kindness. I had a tough time growing up feeling that it was not ok to ask for help, especially financially. It has always felt like a mark on my character as a failure, or like I was unable to ever support myself truly. I like to think that I am growing out of that mindset with this, and acknowledging that sometimes, if the stars don't align, things can just go to shit, and you will need help.

Those who want to follow the fundraiser page will see updates involving:

• My artist statement (at least an iteration of it...it's always subject to change with evolving understandings.)

• Project updates on the pieces I was working on that week.

• (if the website allows) a video talking about my goals for the thesis exhibition

• A little breakdown of the research and inspiration behind all of the work I am making/trying to produce.

• OH, and images of the HUGE gallery space I will be showing in (totally daunting!!)

Thank you for taking the time to read this big ask of mine. Whether you donate or not, thank you for caring enough to read and listen!

Sending my love to y'all!

...I’m nervous to hit "launch" hahah!