I am a handcut paper collage artist who has recently been accepted into the prestigious artist residency program at Château d'Orquevaux in France — one of the most beautiful and inspiring residencies in the world.

This is truly a dream come true for me. Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of traveling to France — I’m still beyond honored and thrilled to have been accepted into the Château Orquevaux residency for 2026. Growing up, my bedroom was Paris themed, my favorite movie was (and still is at 30 years old) the Phantom of the Opera, and I even took French for a couple of years in high school. I have French ancestry in me, and I'm really connected to the culture. I was even supposed to go on a work-study trip back in college when I was 19, but unfortunately had to drop out to due to money concerns. The fact that this chance came back for me 11 years later is a sign that I have to go, and I have to do anything I can to turn a vision into material reality.

I was originally placed in the program for January 2026 but I unfortunately had to postpone my acceptance for my original specific dates due to my moving out of the state of Oklahoma in July/August 2025. The timing wasn't the best in regard to making the necessary payments for my designated time slot. I thought I wasn't able to go at all. But I reached out to the program's team and explained to them my situation. I even offered to do a good faith deposit to prove my dedication and commitment to the program. The residency program team and I came to a mutual agreement to postpone my acceptance until my financial situation is more stable and they will happily place me for a specific date in the program in 2026.

I was awarded a grant to help offset some of the costs, but I still need help covering the remaining residency fees and supplies. I’m seeking to raise at least $4,000 by December 31, 2025 to make this dream a reality.

Your support will go toward:

• Residency program costs

• Art materials for new creations during the residency

• Travel insurance and local transportation

• Room and board during my stay

• An artist who's attempting to uplift the heart of humanity

This residency isn’t just about me — it’s not just as a visitor, but as a creator. As an artist, this opportunity means time, space, and a once-in-a-lifetime environment to fully dive into my work, connect with other artists, and grow in ways that can only happen through deep immersion and community.

I create art for the heart, from my heart and spirit. My collages are a tribute to the raw resilience and passion of emotions that make up the human spirit. I grew up with the trees, and I honor the trees by gifting them another life through reincarnation. Attending Château d'Orquevaux would be a chance to connect deeply with my work in a space where creativity thrives. This residency will allow me to explore the nature of transformation and authenticity.

I want to inspire others that it's never too late to be who you really are and who you really want to be. If I can do it, so can you. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly support an artist who believes deeply in the power of creativity, freedom, and exploration.

Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in my art and in this dream.

I'm excited to create something beautiful to honor this journey — and you.