Scholarships...!
The applications are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. I will spend a couple weeks reading them over and make a decision before March 3rd. Notifications will go out by email sometime around March 1st.
I believe in the power of Making with our own two hands to give us agency, and connect us in so many ways. I have felt this in my bones for decades, but it was only in the last few years that I have been able to put it into practice, and watch it unfold around me. The process of creating these retreats has been everything I could hope it would be, including some personal stretching, putting myself out there in new ways, a few challenging moments, a lot of work, some awkward choices, a bunch of mistakes, and ultimately the most delicious days with some lovely people. I’m sure I’ve said this somewhere before, but it does feel as though all my previous ‘career’ choices were leading me to this path. It has been deeply gratifying to watch others unwind and expand, and run with this concept each year. I’m not a parent, but these retreats stir up some maternal feelings. I always cry during these things because they bring up such strong emotions.
The mechanics of putting the retreats together has taken some trial and error, and some financial thrusts and parries, but for the moment they are on solid footing. This state of being allows me to do something I have wanted to do since I began the retreats. This year I will be offering two scholarships for each Slow Stitching and Slow Fashion. I know that the price for these outings is beyond the reach of many folks, and that bothers me. The urge to Make is human, elemental, it is not limited to any social group, any race, gender, identification, or ability, it is for us all. I know this is a teeny, tiny drop in a very big bucket, but it is an action I can take to try and open the door a little wider. It has always been my goal to be more inclusive not less, and though the cost of my retreats by their nature are unreachable for some, I can make that a bit better by offering a place at the table for two individuals for each retreat.
To apply for these scholarships I will ask you to fill out an online form here. Share with me what Making means to you, and why you would like to come to my retreats. Tell me as much as you like about the circumstances that make attending these retreats difficult. Do send me images of any work you feel like sharing, be that fiber based or other. Do you write? Take photos? Sing? Garden? I’d love to hear a little bit about your passions. Applications will close on Sunday February 10th at 5:00pm EST. I will take a couple weeks to read over submissions and make a decision before registration opens. The selection of these scholarship positions will be private to me and the recipients, that is unless they feel like talking about it. Once they are notified, and accept, scholarship recipients will go into the registration rolls like all the other attendees.
A few more details:
The scholarship will include all instruction, housing, and meals.
You’ll need to take care of your own transportation to and from the retreat, as well as any supplies required for the workshops.
Please don’t apply if attending is within your means. I know the cost is still a stretch for many, but I seek to reach folks who really couldn’t come in normal circumstances.
Tell me as much or as little as you like about yourself. These retreats are about connecting, I like to know who you are! But do try and be succinct, this is not the moment for your magnum opus…
To reiterate, these scholarships will be known only by myself and the recipients. If the individuals choose to share their selection that is totally up to them. But they will not designated as such to the public.
I thank you for reading. I thank those who choose to apply. I thank the universe that I am able to offer these opportunities. I look forward to reading the applications…. Come, Summer!
I have had some people ask about donating funds to help with travel and supply costs for the recipients. If this is something you would like to do, you can send me a check at AGOS, 2 Main Street, 18-214, Biddeford, ME 04005. Or send me funds through Paypal at info@agatheringofstitches.com. Thank you for your generosity!