The Gabber - July 9, 2020

Attention artists! The deadline to apply for this year’s Rise & Shine emerging artist grants from the Gulfport Merchants Chamber is quickly approaching. Local creators have until July 15 to submit an application for consideration.

Rise & Shine grants are awarded annually by the GMC to Pinellas County artists aged 18 and over who meet the criteria. The grants include $500 to be used exclusively for displays, materials and supplies; $200 in five booth reservations for Gulfport’s Third Saturday IndieFaire with professional social media marketing support; jury exempt and half-price booth for the Gulfport Fine Arts Festival in February; four ‘Business of Art’ consultations with a professional artist; and a one-year membership as an ‘Art Works Here’ GMC Artist, which includes free social media promotion, workshops.

“I believe you can be an emerging artist for up to 10 years,” says Brenda McMahon, owner of Brenda McMahon Gallery and member of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber Arts Committee. “It’s not about how long you’ve been making art, it’s more about how seriously you are taking that endeavor. So a creative can be working in mixed media for many years, but just recently made a decision to take it to the next level. Whoever is selected for the GMC Emerging Artist program will be thrilled with all the doors it opens. We are excited to meet the new recipients.”

According to the GMC, Rise & Shine grants are designed to elevate artist careers. Last year’s winners include painters Paula Roy and Kiersty Long.

Pictured: Rise & Shine grant recipient Kiersty Long, whose artwork is featured here, says that the GMC grant has “helped me to understand the business side of being a professional artist.”

Image via Kiersty Long.

“The support, exposure and guidance I’ve been given has proven invaluable and has truly been beyond my dreams to bring my fine art efforts to a new level,” says Roy, while Long adds, “The mentorship provided has been invaluable and has helped me to understand the business side of being a professional artist.”

The deadline for applications is July 15 and winners being announced one month later.

James Briggs, owner of Carroway + Rose and member of the Board of Directors of the GMC calls Rise & Shine grants “a wonderful opportunity” for artists to “help take their art career to the next level.”

To learn more or apply at visitgulfportflorida.com or email artistgrant@visitgulfportfl.com.