Public Rallies for New Sound & Light Installation at ArtHop

Hello! I’m Troy and I’m a composer, artist and curator. I create sound, light and video installations for art spaces (galleries, museums and art shows). I’ve won grants, awards and often get paid to do art... it’s almost my job! (Slowly getting there!) You can check out work I've already done here: www.arthouse43.com/troystar 

I’ve got a new sound and light installation for an art event called ArtHop in Kalamazoo, MI. I was asked by a friend and colleague to create a new work in his space for this event. I need support to help pay for materials to create this work and install it, for travel costs so I can be there to set it up and be there during the event, and for promotional costs so that people know it's happening.I’ve applied for a $500 grant at the Kalamazoo Arts Council to help make this art work happen, but it’s a matching grant; that is, I have to raise $500 to match their donation. That’s why I’m here on Go Fund Me, to ask for your support!

You can support on Go Fund Me at: www.gofundme.com/arthopconnections
You can also support on this site (I’m the Director at ArtHouse 43): www.arthouse43.com/donate

Your support, anything you can give, would mean everything. It would also mean that a brand new art work will be created, exhibited and will allow art lovers in Kalamazoo a chance to interact with my work. It’ll be a great experience for me and will hopefully be a positive experience for the Kalamazoo community.

This project has a VERY tight timeline. The art show is March 1-2, 2019. I would need to buy materials by mid February (at the latest) and then have travel costs ready and begin setting up on Feb. 25.  I need your help to make this happen!

Here's a timeline overview of the project:

Jan. 2-Feb. 1: Planning begins/Testing of  materials begins.
Jan. 8: Meeting at the space in Kalamazoo.
Feb. 10-17: All materials must be purchased. Accommodations for setup/opening night should be reserved.
Feb. 25-28: Installation at 225 Rose begins.
March 1: Opening Night. Project is unveiled.
March 2: Exhibit continues for an extra day.
March 2-3: Teardown of exhibit.

 And here's a description of the work, which is titled "Connections":

Project Narrative

Every installation I create, every art show I have, makes me a better artist. I create works which function like contemporary art that you can walk into. The experience of having a full body and mind interaction with the art is, in some ways, the art work itself. 

This artwork, Connections, creates a sense  timelessness for observers. The work will be in its own room, with a visual display of minimalist lights and a new sound-art work playing on speakers throughout the room. The space itself is part of the experience. My work is about creating calm, reflective environments which allow us to question everything we think about art and existence. Visitors are encouraged to use this space however they wish and to stay for as long as necessary. This work is about the interaction with art being the art itself, in many ways. It's a platform for visitors to experience themselves and the universes around them.

This project will be created, organized, curated and implemented by the artist/applicant Troy Ramos. This is a new art work and will be premiered at opening night on ArtHop on March 1, 2019 at 225 Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Thank you! Please support my work, it would mean everything!