Digital Sculpting Workshop

I am writing to you on September 6th 2016 to announce that I have received an artist development grant from the Vermont Arts Council, to attend a workshop on digital sculpture and the human anatomy at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Los Angeles, using the digital sculpture program ZBrush, beginning on Oct. 4th. The workshop costs $990, and the VT Arts Council was able to award me $500. In order to attend, I will need to pay the entire $990 deposit by September 15th, and purchase a plane ticket as well as a place to stay during the workshop. In addition to covering the remaining cost, air fare and lodging, I also need money for food and art supplies. I did not expect to receive this grant, and am not prepared for these additional costs.

Some of you may already know that I recieved my first commission for public art through the Semprebon Fund in Barre City, and for the last year I have begun living a life financed soley by my art with limited part time work. I expect to complete 'Culmination', a large scale work carved out of a single block of granite to be installed in downtown Barre, by the end of this month. Upon it's completion I will receive the final payment for this work, which is my only income, and not enough to pay for this trip and cover my cost of living this winter. With this workshop, I hope to catch up with digital media, and bring my knowledge of traditional sculpture to the new and advancing field of 3D printing. 

In order to complete my current commission, I have forgone all other work this summer and have been staying with friends and family until I can move on to a new project. Recieving the artist development grant from the VT Arts Council is a step forward, but it is not enough to make this dream a reality. I am so thankful for all of the amazing people I have in my life, and I am asking that you please help with as much as you can. Education is the ultimate gift, and it would mean so much for me to know that those of you who have been so kind and supportive of me over the years would be willing to chip in a little to help me move forward in doing the work I love. 

I would be so thankful for everyone's support in whatever you can give, and sharing this with other people who could give. I've never done this before, and I am both grateful what I have recieved so far, and anxious that I may not be able to gather the support I need to actually make this happen. I am hoping to get $20 from 100 people, but any amount will go a long way. Thank you in advance for anything you can offer!!!