I’m excited to share that I have been accepted into Columbia University’s Advanced Painting Intensive - a 6-week summer course which allows concentrated time to paint, write and be immersed in New York City’s buzzing art scene. I am working to sell artwork to fund this trip but have received requests for a place for cash donations as well! You can read more about the opportunity below or head to www.nicolewilliford.com/shop to peruse my current sale.

This acceptance comes as I enter my 10th year of painting professionally - what a feat! Since completing undergrad I have waffled about pursuing an MFA but have always opted to scrap together my own continuing education through workshops, residencies and studio visits. While this has allowed me to improve my painting and develop a consistent practice, there have been many limitations to my self-directed education.

As a painter with a day job and young child, accessing rigorous academic experiences is often a challenge due to the cost and time required. Because this program is concentrated it allows me to get some of the benefits of an MFA program - critical feedback, concentrated painting time, studio visits and academic support with writing and conceptualization - without such a long-term commitment. I believe that a program like this will provide the support and momentum I am looking for to carry me into another 10 years of robust and satisfying painting!

The cost of this program is steep - $18,000 - and I am reaching to the edges of my connections to sell existing work and commissions to fund the opportunity. If you have been considering a commission or collecting work, now is a highly impactful time to support my creative journey. I know many of you are facing your own financial struggles and I am so thankful for non-monetary support like boosting social media posts through commenting/sharing, general good vibes and encouragement while I work towards this goal!