Empower Lauren's Art Career with a New Studio

Hi there.

My name is Lauren McHale Mills and I am a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Though hopefully not for long!

I’ve been an artist all my life and an entrepreneur for most of it. I fell in love with painting at ten years old, and then started my business (Artologi, LLC) at eleven because I wanted to sell them! Since then, I have worked in various media from ceramics to video and installation. I’ve taught classes, given lectures and talks, and even self- published an educational coloring book called, “The ABCs of Black Authors”.

You may be thinking, “You sound so accomplished! Why do you need our help?”

Well, I am visually impaired. I was born with a condition called nystagmus, which causes my eyes to move uncontrollably, making focusing and many other things very difficult. My low vision is the reason that I do not yet have a driver's license. I am legally able to drive; but circumstances have prevented me from obtaining my license at this time.

So, I can’t move around a lot…

In addition, funds haven’t been flowing like I thought they would be post grad. For the last two years since graduating from the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design, I have occupied a small section of my parent’s basement and utilized it as a makeshift studio/workshop/office space. I’ve kept my head down- painting, building my businesses and planning my future. However, very few of my dreams and big plans are able to be realized, isolated in this basement.

Having chosen fine art as a career, it requires a certain level of immersion in the most prominent arts scene in one’s area. For me, that’s Detroit. However, I am physically unable to get there most times. Though after obtaining the space, I’ll have a ride there at least 3 times a week, and will bus the other two days until I get my own transportation in order and/or move close by. 

With a studio space that is closer to the heart of Detroit, I will finally have the ability to be where everything is happening! I will:

and most importantly,

Hopefully soon after securing this studio space, I plan to move nearby to limit strained transportation, and fully integrate into this new area. Funds donated will be used to secure the studio space and move my things in.

Times have been hard, and life after art school is not what I thought it would be. But I have so much to give and the only thing I desire is to do what I’ve been called to do. I just need a little boost to get where I’m going.

I hope you’ll find it in your heart to help.

Sincerely,

Lauren

P.S- As my portfolio and coloring book sites are both under renovation, please visit my instagram to see more of my work: www.instagram.com/mchaleincolor