Have you ever met family who you are not related to by blood? 

 

I am an artist, so I realize that many people may not necessarily consider what i do to be "work" because it really doesn't make me any money. In fact, it usually costs my family money that we often don't often have, thereby putting an undue strain on everyone. Yet I can't seem to stop myself from doing it! At the end of the Helsinki Tea, I was incredibly moved by the generosity of the people who co-created this event with me. Why do I do this work? I feel called and compelled to make spaces wherein people can safely interact and explore. I am in no way trying to romanticize poverty or suffering in the process, even if it's often my reality. I'm just trying to do my work the best way I know how. This is my passion and my lovely sister-friend, Anastacia, has been working with me on this project since 2009!

 

I remember a time when I didn't have to spend so much time worrying about how the bills were going to get paid each month-- I think Clinton was still President then and gas cost less than $4 a gallon. Since then, my family has really struggled. There are 4 of us and I am the "crazy artist" a moniker I now wear proudly. In order to continue hosting community arts events like Miko Kuro's Midnight Tea that encourage participation, collaboration, and creative experimentation, I need to cover my basic expenses. Many amazing people who have helped me along the way in this effort and I can not imagine this project without their contributions. Simply put, this project would never have grown beyond the idea-stage if it weren't for the folks who continue to contribute their hard-earned money, time, talent, and creativity to it.

 

In a month, Anastacia Tolbert and I will be travelling to Bangkok, Thailand to host another tea at the La Lanta Fine Art Gallery. I understand that once on the ground in Bangkok food is quite affordable but getting there is what we need help with. Flights from Seattle to Bangkok are currently running at about $1000 a piece.

 

I need to get some basic things, like memory cards, professional sound recording equipment, and if possible, I'd like to support a few local artists while I'm there to really make this project work. It would also be delightful to eat twice a day (three times a day is for fancy people) while in Bangkok. So yes, donations would be welcomed! Rather than ask contributing artists, musicians, designers, and performers to donate their efforts, I've made it a practice since this project began to try to offer at least a small stipend to those who are willing to be generous with themselves and their work.

 

So I'm looking to raise about $3000 in 15 days, which will leave us just enough time to purchase our flights with 14-days advanced notice. Here's how it breaks down:

 

Equipment/Supplies: $320
Transportation (taxi to/from airport): $100
Per diem food costs: $40/day for 7 days (for both of us) = $280
Contributing Artist Stipends: $300 ($100 each ... I'd love to give more, but it's better to give something than nothing at all)
Plane Tickets for Anastacia & Natasha: $2000

 

Fundraising start date: Monday, September 8th.
Fundraising deadline date: Tuesday, September 23rd.

 

All support will be gratefully awknowledged here, unless specified as anonymous. #bangkokorbust