What I'm Doing...
Hi! My name is Sunshine Cobb. I have been making pots for almost 17 years! My journey has taken me all over the country, following opportunities like graduate school and some amazing post-graduate residencies. But being a nomad has its limitations, so I decided to set down some roots. In 2014, I moved to Sacramento, California, because it has some of my dearest friends, a respectable ceramics community, access to an airport hub, and any type of Asian food the heart could desire—24/7.
The transition has been more of a struggle than I anticipated. Finding the perfect studio can be a trick, but in March, I found a warehouse space that made my mind and heart leap at the possibilities it inspired in me. Right away, I envisioned a space that could not only accommodate three to four working clay artists but could also be used for creative workshops and countless other community events. I want to create a warm and inspiring place of business for myself and other ceramic artists as well as a safe and stimulating haven where artists of all kinds can access their creative energies and work on projects they can’t seem to work on anywhere else.
I call it an “art cheerleader service.” Over the years, I have benefited greatly from the encouragement of supportive arts communities. As a workshop instructor, I have also had the great privilege of providing such encouragement for others. Now it’s time to “bring it all back home” by creating a permanent space where artists can support one another in open and caring environment of creative inspiration.
I am working on the, “If you build it, they will come” model. I have been doing most of the work myself—slowly and steadily—trying to find the time for ceramic work as I go along. I have come to the point where I need help! While I am good—maybe even awesome—at being resourceful (as most artists are), I need some equipment and some help to get the studio set up and running effectively and safely.
500 mugs will give Sidecar Ceramics an awesome start—hence the Mug-A-Thon title. With your help I am hoping to build a space that celebrates and fosters the studio potter model here in California while helping create an inviting place for community to gather and be creative.
What We Need
What’s Been Done:
Painted and patched and scoured almost every surface.
Remodeled showroom space.
Scouring Craig’s list for deals, like new sinks and counter tops and other items that will help the studio feel a bit more comfortable.
Set up a small kitchenette.
The bathroom now feels like a nice clean useable space and not an infection waiting to happen!
What the Studio Still Needs:
Kilns, kiln furniture, and a small clay mixer and the wiring that makes them work.
Lighting, the studio is currently woefully under lit and needs some serious lighting design to make it a bright cheerful place to be.
Studio Furniture: worktables and shelving to make and store all the amazing work yet to be made!
Furniture and lighting for the community/project room.
Insulation on a portion of the building will serious help with the climate control issues as well as another other heating and cooling solutions that I am currently researching to make the place more comfortable to work in year round!
If I don't make my goal, all funds raised will be used to make was many of the things listed above happen! I am full-in on this project and will plug along until the space is what I envision but with your help that could happen sooner rather than later! If there is any extra money I plan to invest in a ping pong table… best studio break ever!
What You Get and The Impact
Besides my undying gratitude, a hug next time I see you, and a standing invitation to visit whenever you are in Sacramento, I have picked out some of my favorite things to make to share with you as rewards. All of the work comes in five colors so please make note of which color is your favorite as I will make sure you get the color you want, unless the reward is otherwise specified.
Your contribution—whether financial or moral—means the world to me. Our community is extremely valuable and important to me. And this campaign is to create a space that contributes to the lives of established artists, young artists, and the general need for folks to be creative. My hope is that this space will extend our amazing community into Sacramento and be the cornerstone of something you will be proud to be a part.
Rewards- Images
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Risks & Challenges
As with all new ventures
, I face some of the normal risks and challenges associated with small businesses.
Your support will build a strong foundation that will allow Sidecar ceramics to grow. If we reach the 500-mug goal of this campaign, I can devote my attention to building an internship program and other opportunities for emerging artists. In whatever way you can contribute is greatly appreciated! Please share this project with folks you think might be interested. And, as always, I am here and open to new ideas, so if you have a way that you would like to help or participate, please feel free to contact me.
