Abstract - Art of Recovery, a documentary series

"Abstract – Art of Recovery" is a 2022 docuseries following a group of Central Florida creatives as they share their stories, from ache to art.

Episodes feature visual and performing artists, and their ongoing artistic process of recovery from abuse, addiction, disillusionment, grief, illness, injury, loss of housing, struggle with identity.

Artists include: Bethany Lynam, Claudia Iris Bloom, Dessy Maravilla, Jennie Ellis, Jeremy Rivera, JJ Humphrey, Josh “Bump” Galletta, Joyce Bugaiski, Justin Phillips, Mara Latorre, Molly Ahler, Momma Ashley Rose, Nate Fleming, Patty Kenoly, Rick Olivo, Ron Bell, Sarah Walston, Stefan Dolbashian

HOW CAN YOU HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?
GIVE – Any amount is much appreciated.
SHARE – The bigger the network, the wider the reach.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?
All monies collected will go directly to film production costs first and then to help subsidize the costs associated with the live pop-up exhibition event, that was held February 26, 2022, and will be featured as the final episode of the docuseries. Both which will support and promote artists. GRUBB Arts, LLC will not profit* from this GoFundMe campaign.

PERKS
$1+ FRIENDS will receive:
– sincerest thanks and advanced notification of episode releases.
$100+ ENTHUSIASTS will receive:
FRIENDS benefits plus,
– name mention in the credits of the documentary series.
$250+ SPONSORS will receive:
FRIENDS benefits plus,
– name mention in the credits of the documentary series.
– one complimentary admission to the pop-up exhibition.
$500+ BENEFACTORS will receive:
FRIENDS benefits plus,
– name mention in the credits of the documentary series.
– two complimentary admissions to the pop-up exhibition.
$1,000+ GUARANTORS will receive:
FRIENDS benefits plus,
– name mention in the credits of the documentary series.
– name/logo feature on print and social media.
– four complimentary admissions to the pop-up exhibition.

*Though GRUBB Arts, LLC will not profit from this campaign, we do not hold 501c3 not for profit status and therefore your personal contribution is not tax deductible. However, if you give as a business, at an Enthusiast, Sponsor, Benefactor, or Guarantor level, your contribution could be expensed as advertisement. Please check with your tax advisor to know the tax benefit, if any, of your contribution.

PROJECT HISTORY
Inspired by David Collins’ 2018 Tapestries Lakeland public art exhibition, the Abstract art show series, produced by GRUBB Arts, LLC, and originally housed by Florida Dance Theatre, was developed in 2019, as a sort of ekphrasis, pairing performing art with visual art, to enhance and carry on the conversations in the Tapestries paintings.
To get to know them better and understand their works, I interviewed a number of participating visual artists, and then relayed their stories, in my voice, between performances. I had the most amazing and inspiring experience sitting down with these creatives and learning about their life and methods and the origins of their works.
Then in 2020, for Abstract – This is America, the fifth show in the original series, GRUBB Arts, LLC partnered with Art Crawl, Inc and ART/ifact to evolve the exhibition and paint an even broader stroke.
Thanks to all the artists and art enthusiasts involved, the Abstract series was a great success and so, we decided to keep it going…

FILM PROJECT OVERVIEW
During the process of producing the previous Abstract shows, I found it difficult to translate the vibe of the artist interviews I voice-recorded on my phone. I kept thinking to myself:
“I wish the audience could hear these stories in the artists’ own voice.”
Abstract – Art of Recovery, a documentary series, is meant to realize this desire.
Working with professional videographer, Justin Phillips, Reel Moments Media, I will interview local, visual and performing artists, on camera, and then, release these interviews as episodes in the documentary series, planned to air prior to the Abstract – Art of Recovery live pop-up exhibition to be held on Saturday, 26 FEB, 2022, at ART/ifact in Lakeland. (Save that Date.)
There are planned 16 episodes for the documentary series. (This number could change as the fates will.) Each episode will feature a different artist.

ARTIST STATEMENT
It is the mission of GRUBB Arts, LLC to help people find their voice and, using traditional and nontraditional language, participate in the greater human conversation.