Opening day is here, I can hardly believe it! So many months of thinking and dreaming about this; so many months of planning and figuring; so many months of unwavering support and encouragement from you all!!

We did this together and I am so grateful for all who have believed in me and assisted me and gave to me in time, money, and/or the occasional e-mail of kind words about my work.

I am proud of my work and I am proud to have friends and supporters like you. I hope that each of you also feel proud for helping me make one of my dreams a reality.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

xo

Sarah

P.S. If you are coming to the opening today (4-9pm 704 Catharine St. Philadelphia, Pa. – Da Vinci Art Alliance) and I mostly or only know you online, please remind me of who you are when you say hello (and say hello!!) and don't be upset if it takes me a minute to place you. I'm horrible with names and my brain is scattered on a normal day so I'm expecting to be completely stupid tonight. :p

In exactly 30 days my first big solo show will be opening. What seemed like ages away is now within reach and it's been an incredible process!

First, there was the fundraising and promotion of the fundraising.

Second, there was the allocating of rewards, which took far more time and energy than I had been prepared for, but felt so good to do. For each item mailed out, I was reminded of how lucky I am to be so supported in creating my art.

Third, there was the ordering 4x5 prints of all the images I would even consider having in the show, and there was promptly putting them aside after realizing I printed too many and I was overwhelmed.

Fourth, there was me taking some time to stop thinking about it.

Fifth, there was me freaking out that I was running out of time and going to meet with a fine art printer to discuss options, feel samples of different substrates and papers for printing, and gather price lists.

Sixth, there was me having to write a new artist statement. There was me freaking out about that. There was me asking for help. There was me realizing the press release was even harder; asking for help; asking for more help; paring down and finalizing artist statement; asking for new help and receiving perfect press release.

Seventh, there was the submitting of the details to event calendars and listings of local papers/media outlets. There was the figuring out where to send the press release and then realizing I had to write a fucking cover letter too.

Eighth, there was the wonderful physical manifestation of an idea to create mixed-media art with my images using four 8x10 old film holders a friend had given me. They came out better than I had hoped and I wish I had more.

Ninth, there was me coming up with a cunning idea for sending out my press release to reviewers (will tell you later after I find out if it does me any good). I will post the press release here next week.

Tenth, there was me freaking out that I am running out of time and spending an hour last night in bed asking my husband to listen and help as I made a final paring down of images to pick the ones that will definitely be in the show.

Still to come there will be...

Eleventh, me optimizing the files so they are in their best print-ready state and making decisions as to sizes and display.

Twelfth, me bringing all files to fine art printer and creating proofs where needed and getting their expertise to make final choices for papers, etc.

Thirteenth, me sending all title and format information as well as my artist statement and bio to my lovely friend Cris, who offered to create placards for me as a gift (she makes them for all the Exposure.Detroit shows and they are beautifully done).

Fourteenth, me figuring out how the hell to price it all and making that list.

Fifteenth, me figuring out what the snacks and drinks will be and how much of it and how much it will cost and when to get it all and where.

Sixteenth, me finding something to wear for the opening.

Seventeenth, me hanging the show!!!

Eighteenth, will be me in complete blissed-out gratitude as I'm surrounded by my friends and family and supporters during my opening.

Let's do this!!

Opening Reception is September 3rd, 4-9pm

Facebook Event page (public)

It was just brought to my attention (thanks, Joel!) that I never said when the show is going to be. Most of you got postcards with that info, but not everyone. I would have sworn it was in my initial description of this fundraiser!

I am totally swamped over here figuring out what is going to be in the show, how it will be printed, and trying to finalize an artist statement and press release (shoot me now please) so I can get the promotion going!

The show runs from September 3rd-September 30th, with the opening reception being on the 3rd, from 4-9pm.

Da Vinci Art Alliance

704 Catharine St.

Philadelphia, Pa. 19147

Will post a link to the Facebook Event page I set up this week!

xo

Sarah

Hello!

I was checking every couple of days about the Canadian postal strike at first, but then I figured someone would tell me when it ended...well, I found out today that it's been over for a week! Sorry, friends in the North! I will be heading to the post office tomorrow with your prints. It seems the postcards and posters were also affected by the strike, so are arriving just now! Oy. 

I've also heard some reports of damage or bends to some of the prints at the above $50 level, and I am so sorry to hear this. I did not package them in the best way possible, it seems. Please let me know if yours were damaged beyond repair, as I will be sending out replacements very soon. 

If you did not receive your reward at all, let me know immediately. The gallery has told me that some postcards were returned there and the art director there is holding them for me so I can see who they belong to. 

The whole rewards process has been a learning experience! :)

Meanwhile, I'm working on paring down my selections for the show. Today I visited with a fine art printer in Philadelphia that has an excellent reputation for quality. I got some prices and discussed some options on sizing and materials, and I have to do some calculating to see if I can do everything I want with them and stay within budget. I'm excited, and also really really nervous. Trying not to freak out. Much.

Thanks so much for continuing on this journey with me. 

xo

Sarah

Hello friends!

Everything has been mailed out..post cards, posters, and prints!

I have heard from one backer whose not-too-bright mailman left the envelope with his prints out in the pouring rain, ruining the prints. I am going to replace his but wanted to wait and find out if anyone else has any problems.

So! Please let me know if

a). Your expected reward never arrived.

or

b). Your reward arrived but was somehow ruined (except for postcards...I can't control the post office putting stickers on the front, which they apparently did to many...UGH). 

*For those in Canada* I believe the postcards and posters were sent out before the strike took effect, but it's possible those items are in a big room somewhere in Canada waiting for the strike to be over. I've been in touch with those three Canadians who were expecting prints, and I will mail them out as soon as the strike ends.*

Thank you thank you thank you! I also would like to take a moment to suggest another art project you might consider supporting if you are able: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rawphl/raw-philadelphia

Much love,

Sarah