I have wonderful exciting news to share.  I have been painting for 25 years.  During this time my artwork has continued to mature and evolve... so much so that I am finding myself now being invited by curators into internationally renowned exhibits.  I believe my artistic journey has brought me to an important juncture.  I’m finding myself at a place of increased attention worldwide.  I was feeling the need for a mentor to help me navigate these next few months in the international spotlight, So I believe it is not a coincidence that I have been personally selected as one of five artists to participate in a 9 month mentoring program with world renowned artist, author, speaker, and cultural influencer Makoto Fujimura.  This will be the  first ever Culture Care Art Cohort Program.  

Over the years, I have been influenced by Makoto’s artwork and his ideals for what he defines as culture care. And I am always inspired by his passion for his craft and his powerful testimony about his faith.  This invitation into this program is literally a dream come true for me.

For those who do not know about Makoto 
Fujimura, he is an abstract expressionist artist trained in 17th century Japanese Nihonga techniques. He was a presidential appointee to the National Endowment of the Arts from 2003-2009. His works have been shown all over the world and recently his artwork, The Four Holy Gospels , was exhibited at the Museum of the Bible in DC.

The Culture Care Art Cohort will be a 9-month mentorship program starting in October. The purpose of the program is to help us grow in our faith as artists and use our art as a calling for cultural and Christian stewardship. We will have asynchronous “assignments” to complete that will include creating art in different mediums, reading books, writing essays, and collaborative interaction. During the 9 months, we will have online group gatherings, two weekend gatherings in Pasadena, CA, and individual coaching with Makoto.

I am honored that Makoto selected me with 4 other artists out of the many talented and passionate artists in the world. I am very excited about this opportunity to grow as an artist. But in order to participate, I will need your help to raise the money for the costs. The cost is $3,000 for the program, plus airfare/transportation to Pasadena twice during the 9 months, and the cost of materials for art supplies.

Your generous support of $5-$10 will help me be able to participate in this amazing opportunity. It is my goal to raise the money by October 1st. As a way to say thank you to those who are able to give over $50 I would like to gift you with a 6” x 6” original work of art that I will be creating over the next 9 months.  
 
Thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration.  I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity to work with my friend and mentor Mako...