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The 2014 "small town: BIG ART" calendar is a celebration of Humboldt County artists through photos and interviews by Monica Topping.

I’m Monica Topping, and I’m a photographer and writer. The 2014 “small town: BIG ART” calendar is my Kickstarter project.

According to the US Census Bureau, Humboldt County, California has more working artists-per-capita than any other county in the state. My vision is to celebrate not only the art, but the artists, with this project.

The idea is that there are 12 featured artists, each representing one artistic medium. For example, I have:

Peggy Loudon, photo by Monica Topping
Peggy Loudon, photo by Monica Topping

This is Peggy Loudon. She grew up here in Humboldt, went to college in Santa Cruz, traveled to Europe, then came back to Humboldt to study ceramics and make a living as a potter. Her work has been shown at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and in fact, she’ll be going back for their annual Craft Show in April. She let me into her studio to take some photos and talk to her about her work. 

Peggy Loudon Porcelain, photos by Monica Topping
Peggy Loudon Porcelain, photos by Monica Topping

The “small town: BIG ART” calendar will feature photos similar to these, of Peggy creating some of her pieces, her studio, and some of her finished pottery.

This Kickstarter campaign is going to help me get some of the equipment I need to make each artist’s photo essay the best it can possibly be, and purchase the materials that will accompany the calendars, like magnets, postcards and posters.

Mock-up of a magnet set
Mock-up of a magnet set

Of all the things Humboldt County is known for, its artistic community should be the most celebrated, and that’s what I’m working to do. Thank you for supporting the “small town: BIG ART” project.

Thank you to Humboldt's own Ukesperience for letting me use their beautiful tune, “Pono Repose,” on my video.

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

I foresee two potential challenges to this project:
1) Probably the biggest challenge with an undertaking like this one is scheduling a time for me to come visit each of the 12 artist's studios when they're working on a piece/project.
2) Getting the calendar out in time for 2014! Who wants a calendar after the new year has started?? I'm hoping to have the calendar prepared and ready to print by the end of the summer, for a fall launch. I'm glad to have started early enough to be able to realistically pull this off.

FAQ

  • How will the calendar be distributed after the project ends?

    My plan is the have the calendar available for purchase online, as well as through local (Humboldt County) stores/galleries, and of course, at the release parties, which I foresee happening in October/November/December 2013.

    Initially, the goal is to print 250 calendars, which will cover the project contributors and local distribution. I hope I have to print more to cover demand!

    Last updated: Tuesday Feb 19, 4:04pm EST
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Funding period
Feb 15, 2013 - Mar 17, 2013 (30 days)

  • Pledge $5 or more

    1 backer

    Our eternal appreciation. 1 limited edition artist postcard.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $10 or more

    8 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. 2 limited edition artist postcards.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $25 or more

    29 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. 2 limited edition artist postcards. 1 small town: BIG ART calendar.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $25 or more

    13 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART website. 1 artist poster. 2 limited edition artist postcards. 1 small town: BIG ART calendar.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $50 or more

    14 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. 3 artist posters. 6 limited edition artist postcards. 1 small town: BIG ART calendar.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $75 or more

    2 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. 6 artist posters. 10 limited edition artist postcards. 1 small town: BIG ART calendar.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $100 or more

    4 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. ALL 12 artist posters. ALL 12 limited edition artist postcards. 1 small town: BIG ART calendar.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $200 or more

    5 backers

    Your name listed as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. ALL 12 artist posters. ALL 12 limited edition artist postcards. 2 small town: BIG ART calendars. Your special event (ex: birthday, anniversary, community event) on the date of your choice. (What an awesome gift!)

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    BUSINESS SPONSORS -- You, your company, or your favorite cause's logo and website link included as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. A set of 6 one-inch magnets. ALL 12 artist posters. ALL 12 limited edition artist postcards. 3 small town: BIG ART calendars. Your special event (ex: birthday, anniversary, community event) on the date of your choice. (What an awesome gift!)

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    BUSINESS SPONSORS -- You, your company, or your favorite cause's AD and website link featured as a contributor on the small town: BIG ART calendar and website. 5 sets of 6 one-inch magnets. ALL 12 artist posters. ALL 12 limited edition artist postcards. 5 small town: BIG ART calendars. Your special event (ex: birthday, anniversary, community event) on the date of your choice. (What an awesome gift!)

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
    Add $24 to ship outside the US