Artist Grant Showcase

Dawn Standera
Individual Artist Grant for Travel and Mentorship
In 2007 I received an Individual Artist Grant which I used to go to Mexico and work with a mentor in the art of Cavandoli Macrame. I was a self taught in this style of macrame and over time I realized that there were techniques I wanted to incorporate into my work. However I just couldn’t figure them out by myself.
“Since receiving the grant I have started my own website, been invited to show my work in galleries and shops and sell wholesale. Through my website I have met macrame artists all over the world and regularly exchange ideas and techniques with macrame artists in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and London.  I didn’t start working in this art form with the idea that any of these things would happen. I’ve received an amazing amount of encouragement from the Region 2 Arts Council and the Bemidji Community Arts Center as well as local arts events.  I encourage anyone who has a passion for their art to apply for a grant. It was not an overwhelming process although it did take time and courage. For me the benefits far outweighed the risk of application.”  Dawn Standera’s grant proposal

Dawn Standera and mentorsDawn Standera
Individual Artist Grant for Travel and Mentorship

In 2007 I received an Individual Artist Grant which I used to go to Mexico and work with a mentor in the art of Cavandoli Macrame. I was a self taught in this style of macrame and over time I realized that there were techniques I wanted to incorporate into my work. However I just couldn’t figure them out by myself.

“Since receiving the grant I have started my own website, been invited to show my work in galleries and shops and sell wholesale. Through my website I have met macrame artists all over the world and regularly exchange ideas and techniques with macrame artists in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and London.  I didn’t start working in this art form with the idea that any of these things would happen. I’ve received an amazing amount of encouragement from the Region 2 Arts Council and the Bemidji Community Arts Center as well as local arts events.  I encourage anyone who has a passion for their art to apply for a grant. It was not an overwhelming process although it did take time and courage. For me the benefits far outweighed the risk of application.” Dawn Standera’s grant proposal

Minneapolis by Paula Swenson Paula Swenson
Individual Artist Grant for a Public Arts Project

Sight / Seeing was a public art project funded in part through the Region II Arts Council. This funding allowed me to travel throughout Minnesota collecting resource materials to create a series of landscape paintings based on the Minnesota scenery. The funding also helped with the cost of art supplies and equipment. The project brought creativity out of the gallery and into the public space where many folks who would not be exposed to visual art could see and experience painting and sculpture. Sight / Seeing brought an additional attraction to the communities tourism assets.  Paula Swenson’s grant proposal

Beverly EverettBeverly Everette
Individual Artist Grant for Travel and Mentorship

The purpose of this project (was) to observe Sir Simon Rattle in rehearsals of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, “Choral,” with the Berlin Philharmonic and chorus April 17-29, 2008 at the Philharmonie in Berlin. Most rehearsals of the Berlin Philharmonic are closed to the public. However, Sir Simon and his personal assistant Andreas Knapp have graciously allowed me to attend his rehearsals for the past several years, both in Berlin and when the orchestra has been on tour in New York City. Sir Simon does not teach private conducting lessons. The instruction he can offer is to allow young conductors to observe his work.
Beverly Everette’s grant proposal