Career Development Grant

This fall, I will be exhibiting my textile work at the American Swedish Institute. I will have my own room for this exhibit, showcasing my quilted wall-hangings along with garments. I would like to produce two additional large floral quilts for this show. These quilt would unite my body of work for this exhibit. I would like to purchase silkscreens and other materials needed for producing a series of dishtowels, coin purses, pillows and toy birds for the Institute's store. Producing an inventory of smaller work for sale at the institute's store may give me extra income that I need. The small but different range of products will give me insight into what products people lean towards purchasing over others. The two floral quilts will complete this series of quilted wall hangings and add to the exhibitions ambiance! My textile work is heavily influenced by my Nordic heritage, honors my Swedish mother and embraces the textile traditions of Scandinavia. Exhibiting at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis will carry my artistic voice to a larger audience. My aesthetics, bold color arrangements and sense of modern design resinates with many urban dwellers and I hope brings inspiration to all who view my work at the ASI. Launching a small series of merchandise at the ASI store will hopefully benefit me financially, allow me to put my foot in the door for some continual revenue and open up more opportunities. My first love is free creation. However, my "free creations" such as Rainbow Warrior costumes and hats (see work samples) are not "quick" sales, if at all. They add depth to my artistic expression and I will continue to play with costumes and large wall works. Adding screen printing to the mix will allow me to produce small series of functional work for consumers to purchase. The quilts I want to produce will be large, bold and hopefully travel to Scandinavian venues in the United States and abroad. I am exhibiting other textiles in Finland and Estonia this summer and hope to make additional contacts in Copenhagen, Denmark. My sense of color, design and play, hopefully will ignite opportunities for additional show cases and generate interest with my art. If exhibition opportunities arise and inventory in the store sells, I will know that this show was a success.