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How an artist coped with job loss
I just got one of the most interesting emails I’ve received in a while… Read and be inspired…
Thoughts, anyone?
Hi Ron,
I don’t know if this is of interest to you… but I think it might be interesting as so many of us struggle with job loss.
My story:
In 2007 I was an elementary art teacher let go from Dayton Public Schools due to budget cuts. It was difficult during that last year at DPS- due to many things- but the worse was losing my livelihood since I support my family.
I accepted un-employment and barely made ends meet. However during that time I turned to my passion— ART.
This is what happened since leaving DPS:
- Appeared at DVAC as a featured artist Spring 2008
- Exhibiting currently at the International Quilt Study Center in Nebraska http://www.quiltstudy.org/
- Have work in other exhibitions in Hawaii and Texas
- One of several Dayton artist featured in Confident Color- by Nita Leland
- Accepted to Quilt National ‘09 http://www.quiltnational.com/
- Discussing the possibility of a new book deal —on contemporary quilting with North Lights
- Co-directing “Art for the Spirit” in Springboro, Ohio— featuring local artist and Argentine artists
- Speaking at the upcoming Ohio Art Education Association
- Found work (adjunct) teaching Art Education at WSU
- Sudden increase in my classes being offered regionally
- Appearing in Gallery 510 in the Oregon District (Loretta Puncer)
- Work on temporary loan to the DAI, upcoming, for their experience center “Q” for quilt.
My point is- I wasn’t what DPS wanted in an art teacher. Somehow I landed on my feet. :)
Cathy Jeffers www.cathyjeffers.com
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