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Write Your Reality

A Six Week Course to Get You to Where You Want to Go - Led by Cyd Gottlieb

Write Your Reality is hosted by Cyd Gottlieb (she/her), a multidisciplinary, self-taught artist who has received numerous local grants, a state grant, and an out-of-state residency fellowship. To learn more about Cyd and her pracrtice, head to her website https://www.pischonk.com/about. This class is tailored to artists looking to reach the next level in their creative practice. Over the course of six weeks, we will work to assemble a professional grant application with a specific deadline in mind. Along the way, we will draft and edit artist bios, statements, CVs, project descriptions, and a sample budget plan. We will also discuss how to choose and present work samples that best represent your creative practice for an application. While you do not need to be a working artist in order to take this course, participants should be committed to a creative discipline and feel ready to work independently in order to deepen their own self-expression through writing. We know this process can feel intimidating, but carving out committed time and tackling small bits at a time in the pressence of other creative folks can make the process much more appraochable.. and maybe even.. fun! By the end of the six weeks, participants will have gained the necessary skills to confidently apply to new opportunities.

River House Arts, 2025 (Toledo, OH). Cyd received combined support for this exhibition, Grandfathered In, from a 2024 Accelerator grant through the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, a 2025 American Rescue Plan Act grant through the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, and a 2025 Artists with Disabilities Access Program grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

Who? (is it for)

Open to artists in all mediums, musicians, dancers, etc.! Open to different levels of experience! This class is intended to provide space and time for creatives who want to focus on written materials and are ready to receive active feedback. If you’re interested but unsure whether or not this will be an appropriate fit for you, feel free to send a message to cyd@pischonk.com

What? (will you need)

Please bring a notebook and writing utensil for every class! Additionally, you may bring a laptop or tablet (optional).

When? (in-person)

April 12 - May 17
Every Sunday, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
*no in-person class week 5 (May 10) - optional office hours to be scheduled

Where? (will it be)

39 N Huron St.
Toledo, Ohio
Class will be held inside of Stu’s House collective studio space on the second floor; elevator access available for anyone with accessiblity needs. Street Parking is available and free on weekends.

How? (will it be structured)

Week 1 ~ Introductions, brainstorming, sketching, planning, and drafting words. Come with print-outs of whatever writing/outline you’ve got! If this is something new to you, look at a CV template and try your best; we will review and restructure everything throughout the coming weeks. What kind of opportunities do you want to secure? Cyd will share outlines of her successful applications and other resources.

Week 2 ~ Bring in a print-out of your CV for Cyd to review. Take time in class to write your artist bio and statement. Active review and guidance. Send a complete draft of your bio and statement by the following Wednesday to Cyd via email to be reviewed.

Week 3 ~ Bio and statement drafts will be returned. Take time in class to draft your project description and budget plan. Active review and guidance. Send a complete draft of your project description and budget plan by the following Wednesday to Cyd via email to be reviewed.

Week 4 ~ Project description and budget plan drafts will be returned. Active revisions. Brainstorm work samples and descriptions. Talk it out.

Week 5 ~ No in-person class. Take this week to explore your thoughts while Cyd hosts optional office hours and provides individual feedback. Document your work and prepare slideshows for peer review. Send slideshow to Cyd by the Friday before week six for review.

Week 6 ~ Casual group critique. Share your progress and recieve peer feedback! Take time to celebrate your accomplishments as a cohort, chat about what you think and feel, and get inspired for whatever comes next!

Pricing

Stu’s House aims to remain accessible to those of all financial backgrounds. This tiered system aims for folks to pay what they can - those with more, pay a little more, allowing those with less to pay a little less. Please choose the option that feels most comfortable and sustainable to your individual financial situation.
*if the low cost option still poses as an inhibititor please reach out to Cyd via cyd@pischonk.com