In 2014, I knew I needed a bigger kiln - than my little Evenheat 11" dimeter, 110 kiln. Switching from painter to glass artist was already proving a big sacrifice and investment...

Having a bigger kiln was going to open up my glass possibilities on many levels. And, buying a new kiln of this size outright was just not in the budget.

I had avoided crowd-funding because of the tremendous work it takes to run a successful campaign.... and, I needed $4300 minimum to purchase my dream kiln. (Which was the largest of the lower tier electric kilns, but would be more than enough for me in the beginning.)

Thanks to my 2010 McColl Center for Art + Innovation Affiliate Artist residency, I was eligible for a Hatchfund platform fundraiser. (Hatchfund works with the best creatives around. I was honored to be able to join this awesome crowd-funding platform.)

I spent probably a year in early prep, getting the word out, and follow up with my wonderful dream kiln investors. It was both stressful and exhilarating!

Ultimately, I raised $4500 by over 50 investors... everything from $10 to $500 from business friends, artist friends, collectors, and even former art students!

The best part was having several folks who contributed more than once, so many excited for this project... and, specifically, what it would mean to my glass art.

*This was after we had our studio (share with artist husband) rewired with new business line in early 2014.*

Being an artist can be stressful. Running a crowd-funding campaign is not easy - at all. But, when there is something important that will take your art to the next level, writing a grant or crowd-funding can be a great solution.

Many of my dream kiln investors have bought other art, or continued to follow my glass and public art journey. In complete honesty, I would not be here, today, without their support in 2014!! I thank the Lord for putting such good folks in my path:)

Want to see more about my dream kiln campaign? Check link below.

https://www.hatchfund.org/project/scaling_up_for_public_art

My dream kiln when she was brand new. Still running like a champ. And, still the most important piece of glass equipment I have for so many reasons:)

Thanks to my dream kiln investors. (2.28.18)