Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My Words are My Shelter Project 2011 Was a Success!

Dear Readers,

I just want to say Happy New Year and to let you know that the My Words are My Shelter Project to send every woman at the Norma Herr Women’s Center (a women’s shelter in Cleveland where my mother spent the last three years of her life) a journal, a pen and pencil is now officially over. We made our goal! Those of you who donated to this project: thank you from the bottom of my heart! When I get an official thank you from the Director, I will post it on Mira’s List.

While last year there were under 125 women staying at the shelter at Christmas (normally they have about 80 to 120 or so), this Christmas there were around 150 women there. This was a tough year for the homeless population, given the downward economy and severe cut in social programs. At times this past year, my mom’s shelter had up to 200 women staying there, even though their capacity is full at 150.

Nevertheless, even though the cost for this venture increased, thanks to all of you, we were able to send 160 journls, pens and pencils to the shelter along with a $500 donation ($300 last week and I’m sending out another $200 today that I received in the last couple days!). I will keep this project going each and every year during the holiday season and if any of you are inspired to start your own My Words project, please write to me and let me know! Who knows....this could be a non-profit organization in the making....

I have a couple new things to post this week...maybe later today if you are lucky. Things to look out for in 2012:

** a little facelift on Mira’s List, along with my now official new website address: www.miraslist.com (same site as this, but if you pass on my web address, please use the miralist.com one).

** I will be posting info in January about an art contest coming up with two amazing curators as judges. The entry fee will be low and there will be a cash prize.

** If you run a retreat center or residency and do not offer financial aid or scholarship assistance or at least free housing and studio, you will now have to pay a small fee to post your announcement or pay for advertising on my site. I will be posting a fee scale for advertisers soon. Unfortunately, I can’t keep doing this site without a tiny bit of income since I am on disability. If you run a retreat or residency center and offer aid, etc. you will continue to be able to make announcements for free.

Thanks and stay tuned!
Cheers,
Mirabee

0 comments:

Welcome to Mira's List

This blog provides information on upcoming grants, fellowships and residencies for artists, writers, composers, and media artists. It is for serious professionals only, from emerging to mid-career to established. I also publish information for graduate students from time to time. However, I do not publish information on exhibition or publishing opportunities, nor do I advertise artist retreats and workshops that charge money. At least that is my current policy. For more info on where to exhibit or publish, please see my links section which I try to periodically update. I sift through hundreds of search engines and websites to find opportunities for YOU dear artist. In return, I ask you to pass the information along to those who need it. Also, since this is a free blog, I don't always have the time to weed carefully through everything. If you find a grant or website or residency that is not up-to-date, is dodgy in some way, or is no longer in existence, please let me know! Also, if you stay somewhere at one of the residencies I suggest and have a good experience, I want that feedback too. Please check my FAQs at the top right side bar if you have questions before starting your search. Best wishes and happy hunting!