Welcome back to another issue of the Open Studio Newsletter. We are now providing two issues per month, with the general themes of…

In today’s issue, we are stepping out and enjoying the spring weather as art walk season and festival season approach. Read on and enjoy!

But before we do, I have some local praise to shower on our new sponsors:

First up, I was recently in the newly remodeled Hammond Ashley, much-beloved institution in Issaquah by musicians all around Puget Sound. This is your go-to place for all repair and setup needs for every instrument in the violin family. Rentals, purchase, restoration, they can do it all. Looking for lessons? They have resources you can trust. Do yourself a favor and go in there to get a look at the selection - you’ll be inspired!

Secondly, we have Fresco Mental Health, run by Tina V. Hays, a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and a registered art therapist. Practicing in downtown Issaquah, she serves adults in a relaxed art studio environment, and accepts insurance. Having just listened to her speak on an Art Commons panel about “Art as Medicine,” I can add that she has a deep understanding of the interplay between the arts and mental health. If you need any kind of reset, check-in, or help untangling some challenges, art could be the way.

Special Announcement: Help to Launch the Issaquah Spotlight!

Big news for Issaquah! After nearly a decade, local news is coming back to Issaquah. The Issaquah Spotlight is a new digital publication launching this summer!

Every Friday, subscribers will receive 3-4 stories in their email inbox highlighting what matters most to our community such as local government, schools, businesses and more. Subscribe for free and be sure to spread the word with your neighbors and friends.

Obviously, at Happy Time we believe in the importance of local press and civic engagement, and this donor-powered publication is a prime opportunity to be a part of the change. Give before they launch and become part of The Issaquah Spotlight’s founding story, forever. Every donation, at any level, helps bring meaningful local news and information to the Issaquah community. 

General FAQ:

ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT

MAKE MORE ART!

THERE ARE A LOT OF PUBLIC GRANTS OUT THERE

WANT TO SHOW YOUR ART?

Show Your Art is a unique and amazing resource for emerging artists. You won’t regret taking the time to explore their offerings, which now includes 200 artist-friendly venues in the second edition and also a brand new interactive map!

LOCAL SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

ASK A GRANT EXPERT

Dear Grant Expert,

What does “in-kind” mean and how do I calculate it?

-Playing Real Good For Free

“In-kind” means donated goods and services that go toward a project. Does someone let you use their space for free? Then the cost of that space rental that you aren’t paying is in-kind. Did somebody design your website out of the goodness of their heart? The value of that service that you were not charged is in-kind.

Let’s first consider why someone would ask me this question.

If you’ve ever written a grant application or some other request for investment, you’ve likely had to produce a budget for the work. Many people’s instincts are to budget according to how much you are asking for in investment. For example, if you are asking for $3,000 to create an art project, your budget is going to show $3,000 worth of costs.

This approach has the benefit of simplicity and clarity. Give me $3,000 and I will produce this event or product.

But what it often lacks is the true value of your work. You are spending time thinking. You are spending time organizing. You are spending time texting people and talking with them. You are shopping for materials. You are rehearsing or creating studies and mock-ups.

This is time that you need to name and assign value to. What is the hourly wage you could earn on the market for this work? How many hours over the course of the project will you spend?

You might find that a $3,000 project is actually a $5,000 - $10,000 project - or more! - when you factor in the idea that you should be paid for your time.

Some people reading this might think it’s preposterous to include this information in a proposal, because the numbers are so big that no one would pay for it.

I say, it’s preposterous to leave it out! Whomever is looking over your grant application needs to understand the labor and expertise that makes this work succeed.

People might say it goes without saying that the artist has a lot of legwork, learning, and practice behind the scenes, but it should not go without saying. It should be said. Every. Single. Time. Undervaluing the tireless dedication and sophisticated skills of artists does nobody any good. Your skills are real and they are worth investment.

If you don’t believe that, then nobody else will, either.

In Solidarity,

Ali

Have a question about fundraising? Submit it here.

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENT CALENDARS?

BelRed Arts District - The ONLY arts-focused calendar for the Eastside! Take a look and add your events!

Visit Issaquah - Issaquah’s most comprehensive collection of goings-ons, arts and otherwise.

King County Libraries - So many types of free arts events all around the county! Our libraries are amazing.

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?

Art Commons - Seeking volunteers to help greet and steward the public at regular, year-round arts events. If you love to talk with people about art and community, please reach out via the website.

Is your organization looking for volunteers and/or new board members? To post here, just email [email protected].

LOCAL SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: