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The Muse

A Gathering Place For Artists, Poets, Musicians, and Revolutionaries

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The Muse

The Muse

The Muse

The Muse

The Muse

A Gathering Place For Artists, Poets, Musicians, and Revolutionaries

A Gathering Place For Artists, Poets, Musicians, and Revolutionaries

A Gathering Place For Artists, Poets, Musicians, and Revolutionaries

A Gathering Place For Artists, Poets, Musicians, and Revolutionaries

Sherrie Love
Sherrie Love
Sherrie Love
Sherrie Love
1 Campaign |
Billings, United States
$151 USD 4 backers
0% of $500,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

The Muse

"The dreamers are the saviors of the world...Composer, painter, poet, prophet, sage, these are the makers of the afterworld, the architects of heaven. The  world is beautiful because they have lived. Without them, laboring humanity would perish." -James Allen

I am Sherrie Love. I am an artist. I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. My mother worked for a school supply company when I was growing up, and when I visited the store, I ran straight for the tubes of paint, always fascinated by the multitude of colors. Although I am predominantly an oil painter and colorist, I have worked in and enjoyed many mediums. I am particularly interested in sculpture. I weld. I love foundry work and have done several bronzes. I enjoy working in clay. I am a writer and fashion designer as well. I began a line of women's clothing called Trucker's Daughter.  I studied fine art at Watkin's College of Art, Design, and Film in Nashville, Tennessee.

I have since returned to my home state of Montana. I live in Billings where I was born and raised.

I have had the vision for many years to create The Muse, a gathering place for artists, poets, musicians, and revolutionaries. I have had a gallery and studio and have curated many interesting art shows and hosted events.The Muse is the next logical step, a beer/wine/coffee bar/art gallery where people can paint, draw, write, etc. The bar will feature live music, poetry slams, fashion shows, and special events of all kinds. There will be a large studio space where art classes are held. The Muse will be an artist's community, a school, and a venue for entertainment.

Life as an artist can be challenging. My reason for creating The Muse is to create a forum and outlet where people can nurture their talents  and expose their art to the world via the internet and television. Because of the way our society is constructed, artists do not fit the norm. We tend to be odd, or unique. We are most often loners and feel out of our element when engaging in the real work-a-day world. We are the waiters and waitresses and teachers who possess immense skills, but who must rely on other means of income because art is a hard-sell. It can be discouraging if not devastating to feel as though one's skills are not of value. That can cause a devaluation of the self, which is why I love the quote above from James Allen. It makes me feel like I do have a purpose and that I contribute value to our world.

Artists are interesting characters. Much of what takes place at The Muse will be filmed as a documentary/reality tv show. I want to address the integrity, dedication, passion, and sometimes insanity of the lives of artists, follow their work and elevate the arts and culture by elevating its creators.  The documentary/reality show will begin as a stream on YouTube, funneling viewers through the social media streams I am currently building. As The Muse gains recognition, the work of the artists will be promoted by online silent auctions.

The Muse will also be a place of learning where a variety of art classes are held. As well as a class designed for teens with autism. I was invited by the mother of an autistic teen to teach an art course. The class has evolved to include the local autistic community. One of the mothers and I are designing the curriculum together. In her wisdom and understanding of autism, she is entitling the course, Art and Life Skills.  I am certain that not only those with autism but artists also will benefit through some of the practices in this curriculum. When I was in art school, I was not taught how to survive in the real world as an artist. It has been through life experience, trial and error, success and failure, that I have learned and continue to learn.

Autistic people have difficulty in connecting with reality, society, the earth. It appears artists and those with autism have that in common. I do know what it is like to be an artist. My experience has given me compassion for others and the desire to help make a positive difference in people's lives and our world. And maybe even do away with the concept of the "starving artist."

The Setting

Billings, Montana. Cowboy and Indian country. Population (Billings area): 165,361.   Billings is curious in that it produces many gifted artists, musicians, writers, etc.  I think it is because of the long winters!

The property that will stage The Muse is on Billings' historic Minnesota Avenue, which had its colorful beginnings as the home to saloons, brothels, Chinese restaurants, and opium dens. The north side of the road frequented by cattle ranchers and the south by  sheep ranchers. And never the twain did meet.  Welcome to the real Old West!

The building that will be home to The Muse began as a saloon and brothel called The Oasis.  When I began envisioning this location for The Muse, my original intention was for the  purchase and renovation of four adjacent properties. Building this campaign has helped me to narrow my focus to this one property. However, I believe The Muse will evolve, grow, and expand to encompass my original vision. That vision includes leased artist's studio spaces, large metal and wood shops, more class space, and an empty lot that will become a sculpture garden.

The funding we are seeking is for the purchase and construction budget of the one building as well as seed money for start-up.

If we do not reach our goal of $500,000, we will invest what we do make into the property and continue to raise  funds.



The Impact

The Muse will create a thriving art community that will enhance our local community, bring commerce to artists, and, via the World Wide Web, help make our world a more beautiful place. Perhaps I will begin a chain of Muses! 

 I have heard it said that our purpose in life is found in the moment of our greatest struggle. If I can help anyone find relief and joy through the expression of art, the return is so much the greater for me. 

There will be risks and obstacles in this venture as with anything worthwhile. Being a native Montanan has taught me to overcome challenges.  Like making one's way through a blizzard, you put your head down and move forward, no matter what. Or you freeze to death in the storm. You just do it. I am building an internet marketing system that includes social media and affiliate marketing as means of promotion and alternative streams of income.
 I have overcome many challenges in my life, the most significant being the loss of my only child in 2007.  I didn't think I would make it through that. But here I am. I am strong, and I am sound and I am happy. And I have found much to appreciate in this life. I know pain and suffering, and I know how I have channeled that grief into and through my art, and I believe that has been a great part of my healing process. It is my goal to encourage and inspire others with my love of the arts.
I invite you to be a part of The Muse and a part of the positive effect it will have globally. Your contribution to this venture will significantly influence the lives of many. If you will invest financially, know you are helping to make the world a more beautiful place. If you are unable to contribute financially, please help get the word out. Tell everyone about The Muse, and it's global potential. And remember, use the Indiegogo share tools! Thank you! Peace, Love, & Joy to each and every one.


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Choose your Perk

Art Is Alive

$1 USD
Our appreciation and an email Thank You!
0 claimed

Everyone Has A Muse

$5 USD
Our appreciation and an email Thank You!
0 claimed

Artist's Appreciation

$10 USD
A hand-written thank you signed with appreciation and Love!
0 claimed

What's In A Signature

$25 USD
Your e-signature on our 'Wall Of Creators' (Everyone who makes the creation of The Muse possible.)
0 claimed

A Bit Of 'Old West' History

$50 USD
A postcard of our historic building, a former western saloon and brothel, with a bit of the building's colorful history printed on the back. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators.'
2 claimed

The Producers

$100 USD
Production credit for the documentary. A postcard of our historic building's old west history. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators.'​​​​
0 claimed

The Producers Plus

$500 USD
Production credit for the documentary. A postcard of our building's old west history. A DVD of the documentary. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators.'
0 claimed

The Muse

$1,000 USD
A signed limited edition print of Sherrie Love's original art. Production Credit on the documentary. A postcard of our building and it's old west history. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators.' Please visit sherrielove.com to view Sherrie's art.
0 out of 100 of claimed

A Work of Art

$3,000 USD
A small original work of art by Sherrie Love. Production credit for the documentary. A postcard of our building and it's old west history. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators. Please visit sherrielove.com to view Sherrie's art.
0 out of 50 of claimed

Maestro

$5,000 USD
An original painting by Sherrie Love ​​​​painted on an authentic buffalo, bull, or horse skull. Production credit for the documentary. A postcard with photo and old west history of building. Your e-signature on our 'Wall of Creators.' Please visit sherrielove.com to view Sherrie's art.
0 out of 20 of claimed
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