Kelsey's Masters in Ceramics
Donation protected
I am an artist whose work explores how the ceramic medium reaches across continents, cultures, and history. I have worked with clay for fifteen years and hold a BFA in ceramics, and in the fall of 2018 I was thrilled to be accepted into the Ceramic Masters program at the Cardiff School of Art and Design in Wales. Creating graduate level work in another country—especially in a region with a rich ceramic heritage like Wales—allowed me to unite my desire for artistic development and passion for cultural exploration.
This was an ideal opportunity for me, yet I knew that financing this endeavor would be difficult. Making my studies in Wales financially feasible was a serious challenge, however, I was committed to making this experience possible. After securing a private loan, and a generous scholarship from The North American Wales Foundation, I had saved enough money to make this dream a reality.
Then, of course, March of 2020 came around and the coronavirus sent everything off course. My program was suspended for an undetermined amount of time and the money in my savings dwindled. In addition, the global financial insecurity brought on by the pandemic caused the exchange rate to plummet, significantly decreasing the value of the small amount of money I had left. Discouraged, I returned to the United States in May of 2020.
Despite the unprecedented implications presented by the pandemic, I continued independently researching my dissertation with the hope of returning to Wales in the spring of 2021. In an effort to make returning to Wales possible, I spent the summer of 2020 working full time and teaching ceramic workshops on the side.
Unfortunately, when spring arrived I had not made enough to afford my return to Wales. At this point, finishing the degree remotely was an option for students. Although not returning to Wales was disappointing, I felt it was the only choice I had left which would allow me to accomplish my degree. After a month of remote learning while simultaneously working full time, I was faced with the sudden reemergence of a chronic illness. After five years without any problems, I found myself in the hospital. Between doctors appointments, testing, starting medication, and working to pay for it all, school would have to wait another year.
Now, more than two years later, Cardiff School of Art and Design has invited students to return in person; the option to finish remotely is no longer available. I have barely been able to support myself throughout the pandemic while also trying to save the $20,000 needed to fund the remaining requirements for my degree (See expenses listed below). Due to the multiple unforeseen circumstances and unexpected transitions, the last two years have cost more than I ever would have expected. Despite my best efforts to plan for contingencies, I am still $10,000 short of the amount needed to live and study in Wales until graduation.
Despite these challenges, I am still excited to continue my research and determined to finish my graduate program. My work seeks to evoke curiosity so viewers may find common ground through uncovering the story of the piece together. If you are someone who sees value in the potential of bridging gaps in an increasingly divided world, please consider donating towards the completion of my long overdue goal. I would be eternally grateful. To all the folks who have been rooting for me through this grad school saga, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Every little bit helps, including the well wishes.
In addition to my eternal gratitude, every person who donates will be entered to win an original piece of ceramic art made in the studios at Cardiff School of Art and Design. You can find more images of my work on my website or instagram account.
Thank you,
Kelsey Weber
A breakdown of estimated costs in USD
Visa: $1800
Flight: $1000
Housing: $1000 x 6 months + deposit: $7,000
Transportation: $900 if I spend an average of $5 a day (I will not have a car)
Groceries: $200 x 6 months: $1200
Total: $11,900
@kwberceramics
Organiser
Kelsey Weber
Organiser
Gorham, ME