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COVID-19 has affected many, many people. One group that has been especially affected by the pandemic has been the incredible group of artists that call the North Shore of Lake Superior their home. Here, our resources are limited but our artistic talent is plentiful. Natalie Sobanja is one of those artists.
Natalie is an incredibly talented potter. She came to Grand Marais over 20 years ago to pursue her passion. Along the way, she became active at the Grand Marais Art Colony where she discovered her love for working with clay. Ever since then, she has been selling her beautiful ceramics in stores and art fairs. She also started teaching at the Grand Marais Art Colony and opened a massage business.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Natalie experienced a tremendous blow to all three of her passions and her livelihood. The Grand Marais Art Colony has had to close temporarily which cut off her access to a kiln. Without a kiln, she cannot continue her artwork. Her massage business also had to close, and her classes at the Art Colony canceled at least through August. In addition to that, most art fairs in the area have been canceled for 2020 which eliminates her primary sales opportunities for this year.
As you can imagine, this has been very difficult. I met Natalie last year and have been inspired by her passion. So much so that when I heard of her struggles in obtaining grants and funds to purchase a kiln so she can continue creating pottery that she can sell in stores like The Big Lake in Grand Marais, I wanted to do what I can to help. We are trying to raise $5,000 so that Natalie can purchase a kiln and do the needed electrical upgrades in her artist's space in her home. At this time there are no kilns available to her. She has a wheel and clay and is ready to create her beautiful snowball mugs and jars. She just needs a kiln.
Having a kiln in her home will help not only during the COVID-19 pandemic when her access to other options have been cut off, but also continue to help her pursue her passion for pottery for many years to come, and not have to rely on renting kiln time to do it. This is an urgent need and she needs the money soon to make this happen!
Perhaps you have a Natalie Sobanja mug that you enjoy your cup of coffee in. Maybe one of her jars sits on your kitchen counter and holds you tea bags. Perhaps you've picked up one her pieces as a gift for a loved one. Or, maybe you are just a fan of the arts and want to support an artist in need. Any amount will help!
Thank you!
Natalie is an incredibly talented potter. She came to Grand Marais over 20 years ago to pursue her passion. Along the way, she became active at the Grand Marais Art Colony where she discovered her love for working with clay. Ever since then, she has been selling her beautiful ceramics in stores and art fairs. She also started teaching at the Grand Marais Art Colony and opened a massage business.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Natalie experienced a tremendous blow to all three of her passions and her livelihood. The Grand Marais Art Colony has had to close temporarily which cut off her access to a kiln. Without a kiln, she cannot continue her artwork. Her massage business also had to close, and her classes at the Art Colony canceled at least through August. In addition to that, most art fairs in the area have been canceled for 2020 which eliminates her primary sales opportunities for this year.
As you can imagine, this has been very difficult. I met Natalie last year and have been inspired by her passion. So much so that when I heard of her struggles in obtaining grants and funds to purchase a kiln so she can continue creating pottery that she can sell in stores like The Big Lake in Grand Marais, I wanted to do what I can to help. We are trying to raise $5,000 so that Natalie can purchase a kiln and do the needed electrical upgrades in her artist's space in her home. At this time there are no kilns available to her. She has a wheel and clay and is ready to create her beautiful snowball mugs and jars. She just needs a kiln.
Having a kiln in her home will help not only during the COVID-19 pandemic when her access to other options have been cut off, but also continue to help her pursue her passion for pottery for many years to come, and not have to rely on renting kiln time to do it. This is an urgent need and she needs the money soon to make this happen!
Perhaps you have a Natalie Sobanja mug that you enjoy your cup of coffee in. Maybe one of her jars sits on your kitchen counter and holds you tea bags. Perhaps you've picked up one her pieces as a gift for a loved one. Or, maybe you are just a fan of the arts and want to support an artist in need. Any amount will help!
Thank you!