Kickstarter

The PUBLIC PATRON PAINTING PARTY PROJECT (P.P.P.P.P) aims for community-wide involvement in the creation of a mural, which will generate further value in a number of ways, for a number of people.  First and foremost, local artists with and without disabilities will get the opportunity to expand their professional repertoire:

-artists will access the knowledge of visiting experts and of their fellow peers in workshops

-expand their resumes through the experience

-increase visibility for the work of individual artists

Additionally, the mural will generate value for the community as:

-an aesthetic benefit to Ellensburg’s scenic downtown, functioning to attract visitors and bolster the local economy

-tangible recognition of Ellensburg’s identity as a unique and lively community in support of the arts

-a way of promoting and supporting Alley Cat Artists, a local non-profit that encourages empowerment and collaboration for artists with and without disabilities to utilize and foster resources that will sustain professional development and one of Ellensburg’s primary support systems for professional artists.

The P.P.P.P.P. will take place over three weeks, and is broken down into three parts: 

During the first week (Drop in to apply July 25-27th at Alley Cat Artists, Ellensburg) a team of experienced artists and i will be leaking the secrets to artistic success to workshop participants as part of the application process.  These tips offer information that is frequently unavailable to many artists, including:  how to fill out applications, document your work, get into shows, and ultimately, make money from your art. 

The second week is dedicated to building knowledge that is immediately useful.  Workshop participants will attend lectures on art history that pertain to the project— local art, the history of patronage and support for the arts, murals as public works, art’s role in economic development, and artist's critiques of contemporary dialogues and practices.   Taking inspiration gleaned from this classic arts education, each workshop attendee will be assigned a section of the mural to design that will be combined into a cohesive collaborative work. 

Workshop attendees will also learn practical skills that save time and money for artists, but are sadly excluded from standard arts curriculums. Local professionals will teach workshop participants and drop-in volunteers basic construction, safety, technical painting tips, design, layout, and other tricks of other trades that will come in handy in the completion of our mural. 

Your donations go to cover the cost of materials, transportation/food for workshop leaders, and hosting the final unveiling celebration on August 12th on site at Alley Cat Artists).  Any additional funds raised will go to Alley Cat Artists to be used to continue their educational support for local art and artists.