Let's get Marisa to France for art!!!

Once upon a time, while dating my future wife, I took her to a place that we did not know would change her life. A trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. That trip introduced her to the world of medieval fashion. This then spawned a love of fashion from different times. She learned to sew, she learned history, and most importantly, she became an aficionado of fashion. You can see the garments she has made, events she has been to, and so much more on her Instagram. LoveShutterbug on Instagram

She even has a monthly Patreon tier where she hand writes letters to her patrons, pulls out her wax sealing kit, and sends these letters where she makes current life sound like a romantic Georgian-era letter.

After many years, a couple of children, a thriving photography career, and many amazing outfits later, she started becoming friends with other talented historical costumers, and from there has taught a class for the Silk Routes Symposium on how to dress a Regency lady, she was both a model and the photographer for Redthreaded Corsets, photographed her friends as models and jewelry for Dames a la Mode, being selected as Diamond of the Evening at the Bridgerton Experience Ball. and even meeting the author of the Bridgerton series Julia Quinn, and having Julia request to take a photo with Marisa.

With Covid and chronic illness having taken away many of her photography opportunities, she turned to her favorite hobby, sewing, and quickly became obsessed. Not just with the fashions, but the lifestyles and history of the periods she obsessed over. She then started researching art fellowships and residencies and was accepted. She was offered a spot in the artists' residency program at the Chateau D'Orquevaux for January 15th-28th 2025. (or 1/31-2/13)

As a dutiful husband, I do everything in my power to take care of and love my wife in the way that she deserves. If a mere snap of my fingers could send her to France for this residency, I would. However, after multiple major house issues back to back, each one being way worse than the last, I am unable to do so. My wife is truly a wonderful person, and I want to see her happy grow in doing what she loves. This is why I created this page for her, in hopes that we can raise the funds, and send her on this amazing opportunity. For as much as she deals with imposter syndrome, and believes that she is not good enough amongst others, the universe, myself, and so many other people think otherwise. This is a once-in-a-chance lifetime for her.

We all know that once Marisa finds a style of historical fashion she loves, she deep dives and WILL make those dresses. We've all seen how determined she is, even when she starts an entirely new ensemble 24 hours before an event. Oh, and of course, constantly sewing in the car.

Being that she sat on this information for a few days, means that this is now in a time crunch. So here is how the funds would be used.

:

1- The first goal is to get the deposit amount of $1,400.44 no later than 2/19 (they informed her that they can extend it though) This guarantees her spot in the. residency. This amount is fully refundable if the goal for the second payment of $1252.01 which is due by 3/5 is not met, and not paid. So if the first goal is not hit, then you will be refunded your donation.

2- From there, if we can hit the 2nd goal of $1252.01 by 3/5 and $1254.86 by 6/5. If we are unable to reach the goal for the 2-week residency in January, there are still other dates that she can attend. So let's raise this money!

I realize that this is cutting it extremely close, but if you know Marisa, you know just how wonderful and talented she is. This residency will unlock so many doors for her!

So please donate and share. We appreciate it so much!

^Here she is dressed as Lady Danbury and photographed with the author of the Bridgerton series and Queen Charlotte. When Marisa went up to get her copy signed, Julia Quinn requested to take a picture with my wife. She gushed about t for weeks, still does actually...