White Oak Studio

I am waiting to hear from Ox-bow about my proposal for the position of one of six 2006 Fall Professional Artist Residency (PAR). The proposal was due August 15, (Naturally, I sent mine early). I tried to create a "look" that was both professional and creative, using Laura Lein-Svencners (a mixed media artist from IL) wonderful folder idea. Thank you Laura!

My proposal was created using a Staples hard cover folder with attached plastic sheet insert that hold materials while seeing through the clear sleeves. Laura's proposal had a bold and clean cover sheet design (with photo of the artist) which I adopted. I mailed my packet in a wildly colored "Paste Paper" color- coordinated (black/gold/red) Tyvek envelope to hopefully stand out "from the crowd."

I submitted the following items that were required:

1.  10 slides labeled, current writing sample, or digital images
2.   Letter of intent on use of residency
3.   Current resume'
4.   Desired dates of residency

The date for the meeting to discuss the proposals is August 24, and I am now waiting on pins and needles for the decision.

On one hand the timing for the PAR is absolutely the worst - Fall - our busiest time of the year in the gallery. And, yet I felt compelled to apply now because this is the first time a Fall residency program has been offered. (Fall is now an option for the first time due to the newly built, heated dorm wing.)

My "gut instinct" tells me that I have a good chance because the program is so new and:

1. Not many will know about the "new" Fall PAR residency program so that should work in my favor.
2. Others who might apply will most likely be back in school, teaching or studying as students.
3. Those who might be aware and can apply - might not have enough lead time to make this work for them.

 I only learned about the PAR opportunity on a chance visit to the Ox-Bow website. www.Ox-bow.com

As a former Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo member and grant recipiant, I learned from my grant writing experience there that timing can mean the difference between being selected and not selected. My acceptance as the Artist-in-Resident at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 2004 also taught me that luck also plays a big factor in such a decision. (I was only one of 21 artists who applied for their second year program which tipped the scales in my favor. )

I was also driven to apply because I believe I have a sound artistic idea and quite frankly, I truly NEED this time of solitude and focus without the expectations of commercial  or academic demands. I deeply desire to this dedicated block of time away from the many demands of my home, garden, husband, dog and art gallery. I need to think, dream, plan, write and create - and above all "process." I have a lot of difficult decisions to make this fall and a in-depth period of solitude can give me the quiet thinking time I need to make them.

My project is an one-of-a-kind artists book titled "Into The Meadow" created using handmade paper made from Oxbow meadow grass, my photography and encaustic panels. This book will be displayed in a standing, 6 panel, wooden frame. And as part of the PAR program it will most likely be exhibited either at Oxbow or in a local gallery. This exhibition opportunity excites me as it could be a foot in the door of a Saugatuck Gallery and should look good on my resume'.

I already ALSO know I want to write about my time at Ox-bow in various artists publications like The Crafts Report and perhaps others. I am aware even as I write this, that I am creating this blog in order to process my thoughts and feelings as well as document my experience at Oxbow (even though I realize I am putting the cart before the horse as they say.)

"It is my job as an artist right now to do - not judge - the work." Donna Allgaier-Lamberti Visual Artist