Short Summary

Art can deeply and profoundly affect people in a positive way. It can spark real feelings of wonder and enchantment, kindle imaginations and revive forgotten memories.

I have seen it happen.

After one of the lowest periods in my life, my family found sanctuary in a century old farmhouse, in a tiny Ontario town. The house was wobbly, crooked and more than a little drafty, but it was heaven.

Soon after moving to this particular spot magical things began to happen. The end of the rainbow appeared on our front lawn. Pumpkins sprouted where none had been planted. Frogs would listen to bedtime stories at second story windows. Cross my heart, every word is true! My life was changed.

It was simply too much to keep inside and so I began to recreate the magic for others through my artwork. It poured out of me, through my hands and into the world. And people responded! Little old ladies would talk to me for hours about their childhood memories. Children swept away by real life fairy tales. I began to truly understand the powerful positive impact that art can have.

Soon I became greedy for the spark I saw in people’s eyes when they looked at my work. I pushed it further. I built a tour of magical places (fairy homes, a hobbit hole, a gnome camp and more) and invited the public to visit my home/studio, now dubbed "Pixie Hill"

I was asked to recreate the installation at our local arts centre. Soon the old overgrown mini-golf course on the property was transformed into a Fairy Village. Free for all to visit, at any time. Visit they did! Some people returning over and over again.

'The Migration' as it became known, was announced with the 'discovery' of a small stack of books and miniature letter to the president of our arts council.

This year I want to create an improved tour. Once again, the installation will move to our little arts and culture centre. Again, it will be free for anyone who wants to wander through, and discover a bit of magic. The installation will be moved to a third site this year and include at least one art workshop for children/youth.

However, this year I need your help.

What I Need & What You Get

Last year I funded this project out of my own pocket. I planned to do the same this year, but my financial situation has changed considerably. So I am asking for help.

• Where will the money go? Building materials, supplementary printed materials, transportation costs, promotion.

• Perks? Heck, I want you to feel like a part of the magic too! Check out those fancy perks on the right.

• What happens if the funding goal is not reached? The show will go on! Funding helps to take the edge off the monetary demands of an exhibit, but a lack of funding does not necessarily mean its demise. Without full funding the Pixie Project will continue...  just on a smaller scale. I am not afraid of a shoestring budget. I'm pretty darned good at pinching pennies actually. Less funding means less promotion and a smaller audience.

The Impact

This project makes a difference in my community. Last year it engaged people of all ages by allowing them to physically explore the landscape and discover a hidden magical world. The public became active participants in the exhibit and excited by visual storytelling and creative thinking. The exhibit inspired fellow artists and non-artists alike, and helped promote my local arts community.

This year the exhibit will be complimented with at least one children's art workshop. More funding means more workshops can be supplemented.

*Image from the October 18th, 2012 Belleville EMC coverage of the last year's exhibit*

Other Ways You Can Help

Can’t contribute? That doesn’t mean you can’t help! Share this project and spread the word. Seriously, I'll love you for it.