Support Erik's Artistic Journey in Finland

Great news — Erik has been accepted into the “Silence Awareness Existence” residency program at the Arteles Creative Center in Haukijärvi, Finland!

This opportunity is a first for Erik, who has never attended an artist residency before. The “SAE” is a way for artists to exist in near-total silence for the entire month of January in rural Finland. With access to saunas, the surrounding forests, and daily meditation, this program is perfect for Erik who is easily overstimulated by noise and crowds.

Due to Erik’s health, financial situation, or other unforeseen circumstances they have had to turn down opportunities that would have aided in their professional development. Below is a short list of said opportunities. This list does not mention opportunities which were withdrawn due to conditions outside of Erik’s situation.

Erik has lifelong Chronic Kidney Disease, which has resulted in two kidney transplants, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Side effects from the medications have also caused Crohn’s Disease of the small and large intestines as well as Osteopenia of the spine, hips, and knees. Erik also uses a mobility device due to Patellar Malalignment of both knees. This causes daily patellofemoral pain due to their quadricep tendon slipping behind the patella and becoming pinched between the femur and patella. Despite these physical challenges, Erik continues to teach part-time as an art instructor as the Fleisher Art Memorial.

As a part-time art instructor, Erik makes roughly $6,000 a year; this is a ~$24,000 decrease from when Erik worked in food service; work that is no longer feasible for them to perform. This is enough money to pay for internet, food, and public transportation.

Fortunately, the program has reduced the cost for Erik by 680 euros, with the remaining cost of 1270 euros. Flights from Philadelphia/NYC/Newark for the month of January range from $700 - $900 if booked early. Erik is asking for a total of $3,000 to cover the remaining cost of the program, the flights, and cost of groceries while abroad.