I am honored to have been awarded an Artist Resiliency Grant by the Frisco Arts Foundation. This grant is specifically to help me develop and stay in my arts industry. Special thanks to Tammy Meinershagen, Chairperson for the Frisco Arts Foundation and the leadership team, as well as all who donated to the arts foundation for this grant.

I am truly filled with heartfelt gratitude for being selected as an Artist Resiliency Grant recipient. I can just imagine all of the needs amongst so many applicants, especially in times like recent years where many opportunities have been shut down. This grant is to help us persevere.

The award was presented at Davios, during Ladies who Launch, just before Me Ra Koh spoke. I had prepared original ACEO art in a darling polka-dotted bag for everyone who attended. I presented this little dress to Tammy because she is always dressing for so many of her events.

Above are Elizabeth Morrow (leadership board), Journey Choi (grant recipient) Tammy Meinershagen (Chair for Frisco Arts) and Robin Pedrero

I wish to elaborate a bit on life as an artist and the need for grants such as this; there are a lot of expenses for artists that most of the public is unaware of. Besides our time and supplies, we have a large number of fees for participation in events and exhibitions. We have studios, and shipping, just like any business has the cost of doing business, and overhead. I’ve had to continue to become a creative problem solver to build my business and elevate my art. I am so very grateful for this grant as I have moved into a public studio space and the funding is perfect timing for setting up my space. Thank you for your support.

Photography by Vanessa Coral