FIREFOLK ARTS - AAPI Woman-Owned Art Space in Vermont
Donation protected
Hi! Tina Picz, here. (Filipina American - founder/ artist/ mother)
- When I learned that there was only one BIPOC-owned art gallery in Vermont, I was ignited to create local change, by providing more space for equitable representation of underrepresented / marginalized artists in rural communities, fostering cultural diffusion through diverse, multicultural art exhibitions, pop-up vendor markets, and youth-led events, to thwart gatekeeping in the arts.
- Firefolk Arts is an Asian American woman-owned, inclusive art space / gallery / co-working studio. With the (volunteer) help of my teen daughter and husband, I run all aspects of this converted firehouse space, and its programming.
- Since opening on June 10th 2023, Firefolk Arts has held 5 multicultural art exhibitions and several other events, all out of pocket from personal savings.
- We've charged sliding scale donations for admission to public events, and have incurred many costs to keep this space going, including utilities, building maintenance, construction, materials, repairs, cleaning supplies, website upkeep, and unpaid time / labor to operate all of the coordination of running this space.
- By finishing renovations on the space to rent to artists, we may be able to keep going. When this area is finished (walls, floor repair, ceiling, closet, heat, lights, door, wider stairwell), there'll be more studio rentals available.
If you've enjoyed or benefitted from this space, or find value in what we provide and create here, please share this far and wide, as every donation will help us to continue our offerings to the public. We need your help in continuing the work we've begun.
We greatly appreciate your support in keeping this spark aflame at Firefolk Arts!
—With much gratitude, Tina, Harmony & Devo
Funding Goes Toward:
~ floor repair
~ programming + material costs / event production
~ website upkeep / marketing / grant-writing labor
~ stipends for artists / travel / install labor
~ renovate upstairs walls, stair rail, insulation, ceiling, closet + electric wiring ~ $3000
~ replace antique windows + add screens ~ $2000
~ fix concrete floor cracks / sealant ~ $2000
~ upstairs heater + install ~ $800
~ new front door + install ~ $300
~ new signage ~ $200
~ track lighting materials / install / light bulbs ~ $200
LATER / ongoing:
~ ADA / wheelchair-accessible bathroom build (eventually)
~ HEPA air purifier
~ art-hanging supplies - track wiring, screws, hooks, spackle
~ cleaning supplies
Organizer
Tina Picz
Organizer
Warren, VT