Support Margaret's Chicago Solo Exhibition Journey!

My name is Margaret, and I am an artist, a painter to be specific. After thirty years of dedication to my practice, I've finally received the invitation that I've been dreaming of for so long: A Solo Exhibition in my number one choice location - Chicago! Although I've had many solo shows here in Louisville and I participated in a group show in NYC back in 2020, this is the realization of a dream I've been holding on to for decades.

I grew up in South Bend, IN, and spent many years visiting the city. Even after moving to Louisville, I still always found myself returning to Chicago. Having a place to stay was never an issue as my father lived nearby, but after losing him unexpectedly in March of 2020, my visits to the place I coveted abruptly ended. Now, I've been presented with an offer that I cannot refuse and must do everything possible to ensure that I am able to deliver the work, assist in the installation, attend the opening and related events surrounding this show, including an artist talk that they've asked me to do! None of this will be cheap.

Hotels in Chicago in the month of July are going to cost me approximately $200 per night, and I need to be there for 14 nights throughout the month! Plus all of the gas for trips back and forth throughout the month, and of course, meals. I'm looking at about $3,500 to pull this off correctly. Not only does this show have the potential to further my career in a market that is practically unobtainable in Louisville, but it also marks a goalpost for me both professionally and personally.

As a young girl and even into my teen years, I always knew, truly knew, that someday I'd be working in some capacity in Chicago. I just never imagined it would be at a gallery, sharing my work with such a respected audience. I've created this GoFundMe (my first ever) after a friend suggested that there were people who would support this dream of mine if they could do so in smaller increments rather than purchasing some of my work which can be expensive. So here it is. I can't remember a time where I've wanted anything more than I want this show, and the truth is I've already said yes and have made the commitment, so it's simply got to come together! I'll sleep under Navy Pier if I have to to pull it off, but honestly, I've already got that t-shirt, in fact I have a drawer full of the 'starving artist' life experiences (after 30 years you amass quite a collection) and am completely ready to return to Chicago at the top of my game this time!

If you'd like to help me reach my financial goal with even a $10, $20 or $30 contribution, really, anything that can help me turn this into the best experience of my artistic life rather than another onslaught of difficulty and struggle would be monumentally appreciated. Thank you for reading this far and in advance for your generosity. Chicago Here I Come!