Help send Fretta to her first Intl. art opening.

Good day family, friends and other wonderful people,

Thank you for taking a moment to read this.

Today I am fundraising for $2800. The purpose of this fundraiser is to send me to Barcelona, Spain to attend the opening reception and other activities for the photographers in Foto Norstrums, Mediterranean House of Photography ``6th Biennial of Fine Art and Documentary Photography,” in December 2021. https://www.fotonostrum.com/

In 2019 I was a recipient of a Honorable Mention for Fine Art out of 1,300 entries in the “15th Julia Margaret Cameron  Exhibition.”  JMCA NonPro Digital Manipulation & Collage to Landscapes & Seascapes — The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards .A juried show through Foto Norstrum that went virtual because of Covid 19. This award resulted in an invite to exhibit 3 photos in their international biennial show. However, because of the cost I am only exhibiting Flower Composition 8 in 28” x 21” size, which is an honor.

Due to Covid 19 my revenue from art sales has slowed down. Galleries with my work shut their doors. Art festivals were canceled. Grant money has not been widely available to me. Therefore, here I am asking for help, which is unlike my character, usually I am the helping hand. I have given a piece for the last 4 years to Cascade Aids Art Auction, Portland, Oregon. Seattle Children's Hospital and public schools have profited from my art donations. At festivals I have given discounts to admirers of fewer means because their eyes just light up with joy when they look at my work. During festivals have spent numerous hours encouraging and teaching young artists. I have spent 20 years of service in Special Education in public schools along with over 40 years of joyous motherhood. Now here I am being brave asking for money for the trip to Barcelona because I believe going would advance my professional art career.

How would it be, you might wonder this trip would help? My art will be exposed to a wider audience. I would like to meet and engage with them, here what they have to say. I want to take in conversations with the other photographers. Then lastly, there is the opportunity for an individual critique by the jurist of “15th Julia Cameron Margrett Exhibition.”

Why $2800? My estimate for the trip and exhibition cost is $5600. I have set aside half of what I am asking for. As of today’s writing my cost has been $600 for shipping and framing. My work is there ready for framing.

Please visit my website, http://fcravensphotos.studio/ . Read my artist statement and my bio. Check out my CV. You will see 2016 was the year I began my new artistic path. I have always been an artist, it just took me time to go public.

Wishing everyone lovely moments and good health.

Thank you very much for any contribution. I truly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Fretta