Mixed Media & Art Doll Show In Arizona
Donation protected
My name is Meri Wiley. I am an award winning, published, artdoll artist. Back in 2010 my family and I dealt with some difficult medical issues concerning our mother. She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma as well as many other life-threatening issues. I became her primary caretaker until her death in December 2015. To deal with my grief and loss of direction, my younger sister started a group through Meetup.com, called "the cARTel." The cARTel is our way of honoring our extremely talented parents, whom were both extraordinary artist. This group, "the cARTel" has helped us grow in ways we never expected, or even thought possible.
We have some of the most creative people I’ve ever had the honor to meet. Our art group has been growing over the past 4 years and we now have 72 dedicated members/artists. Many of the artists in our group have come to be introduced to new mediums as well as being introduced for the first time to art. Some members are facing life altering issues, whether it be medical or social, and have found a haven in our group. Our studio fees are extremely nominal and for those dealing with some type of crisis, we waive the fees altogether. Many of our artists cannot afford to pay for art supplies, studio fees, etc., and this is exactly why we exist and an art show is needed. The talent these members have must be showcased. The world needs to see this art as there are pieces created with real passion and sometimes blood, sweat, and tears. For these past 4 years the mission statement of our group has been to support, inspire, and share our collective knowledge regardless of your ability to pay.
As an art doll artist, I have been fortunate to attend shows in Philadelphia, as well as local art fairs here in Arizona. I have a lot of experience with creating/managing events and I’m wanting to create an annual mixed media & Art Doll show here in Gilbert, AZ. I have not found any similar events here in the southwest/west side of the country. I want to showcase the many artists in our group, as well as others, that are waiting for such an event on this side of the country that will fit their art. There are many, many “fine” art shows here in Arizona, but nothing that combines mixed media and art dolls. This situation creates a void that must be filled.
In scouting for space here in Gilbert I have been given prices ranging from $1,000 at the local library to $22,000 at a nearby event venue. We would like to have a three-day show (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), and need funds for permits, licenses, security, cleanup crews, venue rent, insurance, etc. This is why this go fund me account has been created. We are looking at having a show as soon as March of 2020 if possible, or by March of 2021. Funds raised within the next few months (December 2019) will be accessed to see if a show for March of 2020 is possible. If the funds are not sufficient, we will continue searching for support for a show in 2021.
The show will consist of event space to host artists and booth/tables, demonstration areas to engage the public in creating art, food vendors, and more. Activities for children, make-n-takes, poetry readings, the possibilities are endless.
Having watched these artists begin new to them mediums, or seeing even the more accomplished artists grow in the past 4 years has been a dream come true for me. I believe art is essential in life and absolutely critical in this day and age. Experiencing the growth of these artists, not to mention their dedication to sharing their collective knowledge, is nothing short of inspirational.
My hope is that you’ll see this as a worthy cause and help make this a show of shows. Please help these artists share their art with the world.
We have some of the most creative people I’ve ever had the honor to meet. Our art group has been growing over the past 4 years and we now have 72 dedicated members/artists. Many of the artists in our group have come to be introduced to new mediums as well as being introduced for the first time to art. Some members are facing life altering issues, whether it be medical or social, and have found a haven in our group. Our studio fees are extremely nominal and for those dealing with some type of crisis, we waive the fees altogether. Many of our artists cannot afford to pay for art supplies, studio fees, etc., and this is exactly why we exist and an art show is needed. The talent these members have must be showcased. The world needs to see this art as there are pieces created with real passion and sometimes blood, sweat, and tears. For these past 4 years the mission statement of our group has been to support, inspire, and share our collective knowledge regardless of your ability to pay.
As an art doll artist, I have been fortunate to attend shows in Philadelphia, as well as local art fairs here in Arizona. I have a lot of experience with creating/managing events and I’m wanting to create an annual mixed media & Art Doll show here in Gilbert, AZ. I have not found any similar events here in the southwest/west side of the country. I want to showcase the many artists in our group, as well as others, that are waiting for such an event on this side of the country that will fit their art. There are many, many “fine” art shows here in Arizona, but nothing that combines mixed media and art dolls. This situation creates a void that must be filled.
In scouting for space here in Gilbert I have been given prices ranging from $1,000 at the local library to $22,000 at a nearby event venue. We would like to have a three-day show (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), and need funds for permits, licenses, security, cleanup crews, venue rent, insurance, etc. This is why this go fund me account has been created. We are looking at having a show as soon as March of 2020 if possible, or by March of 2021. Funds raised within the next few months (December 2019) will be accessed to see if a show for March of 2020 is possible. If the funds are not sufficient, we will continue searching for support for a show in 2021.
The show will consist of event space to host artists and booth/tables, demonstration areas to engage the public in creating art, food vendors, and more. Activities for children, make-n-takes, poetry readings, the possibilities are endless.
Having watched these artists begin new to them mediums, or seeing even the more accomplished artists grow in the past 4 years has been a dream come true for me. I believe art is essential in life and absolutely critical in this day and age. Experiencing the growth of these artists, not to mention their dedication to sharing their collective knowledge, is nothing short of inspirational.
My hope is that you’ll see this as a worthy cause and help make this a show of shows. Please help these artists share their art with the world.
Organizer
Meri Wiley
Organizer
Gilbert, AZ
