Cafe Huntington

Project Description:
My project involves pursuing my love of glass in a safe working environment, increasing my skills as a glass artist and joining art organizations to become involved in the artist community. I would also like to educate the community about this form of art through demonstrations at various community functions and local art festivals.

Project Importance:

This is more than a project to me; it is the beginning of my career. Since my first and only class I took I have become truly passionate about the art of melting glass and being able to create something beautiful over a flame. I am constantly thinking of what I can make next, I see colors and patterns differently, and I think of glass constantly. You can see some of my work on my blog http://beaduniquebykari.blogspot.com/.
My husband and I have invested money into this love of mine hoping to turn it into a business, but as time passed funds started running low. Over the past 5yrs we have lived on a tight budget so that I could stay home with the kids and there isn’t much extra financially. This grant would help me to progress my career as a lampworker and eventually start our own business.

How Money Will Be Used:
Money from the grant will be used in the following ways:

1. Making my home studio safe. Ventilation, fireproof floor and backsplash are needed to make my studio workable. I am currently unable to work for long periods of time due to fumes from the glass itself and the gas used in the torch. I will also be able to teach one on one class once my ventilation is adequate. My husband and I estimate $125.00 will allow us to complete these tasks.
2. Taking advanced lampworking class from Marco Jerman. She was my first instructor and I could learn different advanced techniques and get help in areas I have trouble with. She charges $25/hr but yet she is also very generous with her time, you can see her at http://www.liquidlightcenter.com/glass.html#studio_classes.
3. Paying for fees associated with two different art organizations. First the tri-state art council which would allow me to bring a different art form to the community through a well established group. Secondly, the International Society of Glass Beads (ISGB) http://www.isgb.org/. Being a part of this group would give me free publicity; I could attend glass conferences and receive discounts at certain glass shops and enter juried contests throughout the world. The cost of both is $85.00.

3 Month Goal:
Over the next 3 months the first thing we will do is make my studio a safe place to work. I will keep track of the progress we make on my blog and have pictures to share. I will also teach a few one on one classes to those that have already requested a class. Secondly, I will prepare to submit my items to both the tri-state art council and the ISGB. My items will be sent in by the juried dates they set. I should know the outcome from the ISGB within the 3 months, still unsure of the tri-state art council’s date yet. Finally, I will participate in as many local community and art events possible. I will also prepare and have a show to sell and take custom orders of my handcrafted beads and jewelry in early November.

I have big dreams and look at the glass art world as endless. My husband would like to learn the art of making his own sterling silver components using a relatively new materiel called PMC, precious metal clay. Once again all he needs is proper ventilation. These components would complete a full line of handcrafted jewelry that we would begin our own business with. I would love to learn more and teach more, there are endless possibilities in the glass art world. There are classes that kids could be offered such as mosaics and stained glass. I would love to find others that are interested in glass and by me being able to pursue my career it will help the artist population by bringing something new to the table. It will inspire others to try something new and create their own art with glass. I have a lot of ideas for future plans, but for now a few simple things will help me continue this path of becoming an artist.

pictures to come!