2011 Artist in Business Leadership

Lauren Good Day Frank

Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, Plains Cree
Mixed Media, Beadwork, Parfleche

Project Description:

Lauren seeks to develop a financial procedures for her artist business accounting needs. She will purchased a computer, accounting software and accounting training. She also intends to create a refined and professional looking booth for shows as well as print materials such as an artist pamphlet, portfolio and business cards. It is important to Lauren to continue on the generosity and knowledge shown to her by other established artists by presenting two aspiring artist workshops in her home communities that will focus on participating in Juried Native American Art Shows and that will give an overview and history on the Tribal Arts of her people of the Plains Region. www.gooddaydesigns.com

Alfred Twilly Gosuk

Yupik
Ivory, Whale Bone, Baleen Carver

Project Description:

Twilly will focus on the continuity of ecommerce and unfettered production of his art. Having met with a wide range of artists at FPF's workshop for artist fellows, Twilly felt he was given encouragement, and a broader vision. He will purchase a satellite for faster internet service in his remote village of Togiak. He will also purchase an oil-fired stove for his workshop, freeing up his workload in gathering and cutting wood thus allowing more productivity. Twilly tells us that at the end of this project, he sees himself selling his art on the internet. In addition he will purchase ivory, giving him a boost in much needed inventory. Lastly, he will purchase an Alaskan Business License which will enable him to open a business account, and open other marketing avenues via the internet. www.entertainmealaska.com/yupikcreations

Alaina Buffalo Spirit

Northern Cheyenne
Ledger Art

Project Description:

"The Artist in Business Leadership grant which I received for my art business has taken on a life of its own." Alaina successfully purchased a laptop, a printer and supplies for marketing purposes.  The access of technology has helped her reach out to marketing venues and other art markets as well as business contacts for networking. 

Shirley Brauker

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Woodland Pottery

Project Description:

"First Peoples Fund has made my "year-long" goals a reality." Shirley's project focused on visibility. She will organize and print 30 years of her work for publication, re-build her web page presence, and place an ad in Native Peoples Magazine's Indian Market issue. The visibility created will open up new avenues and awareness to her work.

Kelly Church

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Black Ash Basketry

Project Description:

Kelly seeks to learn more about the aspects of successfully marketing herself and her art as well as better managing her business records throughout the year. She will establish a working relationship with one or more galleries. She will learn how to create and manage her own website, and design brochures of her work. Kelly will purchase display materials for booth sales and business cards for art shows. She will also purchase a laptop, enabling her to keep in touch with customers while traveling, as well as keep up with work demands such as her website. www.blackash.org

Roni Stiffarm

Mandan, Hidatsa, Gros Ventre
Traditional Hand Drums and Rawhide

Project Description:

"Thanks to First Peoples Fund support and training I anticipate increased success for my drum making business which will be ensured at years end." Roni will strive to display more of her drums in galleries, museums, and gift shops in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Washington, D. C. Roni will have a website created to promote her work. 

Carol Emarthle-Douglas

Northern Arapahoe-Seminole
Basketry

Project Description:

Carol will make a trip to Brooklyn, NY to take part in an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum where one of her baskets is displayed. She will also participate in the Heard Museum Show in Phoenix, AZ. Carol will purchase basketry materials, a new laptop, and will update her business cards and promotional materials. Carol also looks forward to participating in the Santa Fe Indian Market, and will have the ability to purchase material for her Traditional dance regalia. "With the tools that First People's Fund has given me I am positive all my goals will be accomplished."

Clarissa Rizal

Tlingit
Chilkat Robes and blankets

Project Description:

Clarissa will update her website and blogs, and create new letterhead, business cards and brochures. She will purchase a new camera used especially for blogging, expand her personal PowerPoint Presentation, and begin adding videos & podcasts once/week to her blog. Clarissa will participate in the Santa Fe Indian Market in August as well as her first one-man show of recent paintings and collages in September at the Stonington Gallery in Seattle. www.clarissarizal.com

Sandra Peterson

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Birch Bark Basketry

Project Description:

With her grant, Sandra will purchase a laptop to store her photos and develop a website. Sandra was teamed up with FPF partner Kathleen Kvern of Northwoods NiiJii Capital Partners. " I am confident that I will reach my goals to have a Business and Marketing Plan, to have a working web site, to have printed marketing materials, and finally to implement aspects of the business/Marketing plans."

Paul Peterson

Skokomish
Wood Carver, Mixed Media

Project Description:

After a one year intensive apprenticeship with his father, Pete Peterson Sr., Paul enters the Artist in Business Leadership program to further his carving business. He purchased his own carving blades and materials. Paul is also focusing on marketing himself and he will purchase new business cards and start building a website. He will continue to create carved wooden masks, bowls and boxes throughout the year and build an inventory that is available to be placed in galleries and shows throughout the South Sound Region. Paul is working towards an online portfolio. www.twofeathersart.com