CAFE Huntington

Project Description:
My goal is continuing the growth of BeadUnique as a small business through demonstrations and education. I would like to obtain a second glass bead making setup for demonstrations and to be used in the near future to teach individual classes.

Project Importance:
Importance of the grant is an overall big picture to me. Extra funds to invest in my business allows me to keep making things grow and get better with time. In 2 years time I have been able to grow from a beginner artisan to a full time, juried artist that feels accomplished in my field. I can only see things growing and with the ideas I have the only thing I keep lacking is funds. I’m constantly investing back into what started as nothing and I’m still unable to accomplish all I want to do because of financial strains. One of the biggest expenses I haven’t been able to obtain is an extra torch set up.
Obtaining a second setup is important for two reasons.

1. It will allow me to easily demonstrate my glass bead making to the public and thus educate about this rare art medium. Taking apart my home studio causes wear and tear on my current equipment and takes hours to disassemble and reassemble. When asked to do on site demonstrations I would never hesitate to do so, like I do now.
2. A second torch gives me the ability to teach individually and puts me a step closer to having a permanent and/or temporary teaching space in a local shop.

How Money Will Be Used:
Grant money would be used to purchase a full and portable lampwork (glass bead making) set up. $580 includes most everything necessary (complete list available). A propane tank would cost an additional $40. I would also need to consider purchasing an oxygen tank or a concentrator. The amount of the grant would depend on which I was able to purchase.

3 Month Goal:
Within 3 months I will have my second torch purchased and ready for any available demonstration opportunities. These currently include Huntington’s monthly Art Walks, Heritage Farm and Mountain State Arts and Craft Fair . I will schedule additional venues, such as Girl Scouts and 4-H that have previously requested demonstrations.
I will schedule and complete individual classes with a few people that have previously showed interest and requested a class from me. Depending on the outcome of the individual classes, availability of work/teaching space, and interest from others I will schedule a weekend of class times in September or
October.