Financial Contributors
Rich Castro
Rich is my ex, business partner, investor, and best friend. He’s not really a sponsor because he will be getting paid back, but without his investment into Wear Recycle and Nicky Watts Studios, there is no way it would be this far. In the last two years, Rich has devoted approximately $20,000 cash into my creative efforts. I look forward to the day I can pay him back with interest. Luckily, he’s a really good sport about it. He even did all of the editing of the video blogs and produced other WR videos.
The Arias Group
Kristina Arias of The Arias Group was my first sponsor. We attended a life changing Klemmer and Associates leadership seminar. In that seminar I declared that I would raise $70,000 in three months. I had never raised any money before and was petrified. Having Kristina take that step to be the first sponsor allowed for the leap between stating a goal and accomplishing the goal to be taken. She took away my fear and gave me the backing to let other sponsors feel comfortable. She believed in me enough to support me before anyone had.
Pekka Kola
Pekka has been an absolute gem. I'm not sure how many times this person I have never met has bailed me out, but its been quite a few. He's stuck it out as a friend in addition to supporting me as a patron; he's kept my phone on, helped me with art submissions, and fed me. We were introduced to each other through the Idol circle, but I would say more than anyone in that circle, Pekka has demonstrated true friendship, caring, and encouragement. When I felt most alone Pekka assured that he was my fan and stuck by me. I look forward to the day in which I exhibit at an Art Expo or in a gallery in Finland so that I can personally pay thank you to him and his family.
John Doe 1
Can't tell who or what, but it helped. You know who you are. :P
Robin Hill Studios
One of my very best friends, Emma Badman, owns Robin Hill Studios. The name alone brings back so many memories. This is a special sponsor because I had received an anonymous $500 sponsor and the individual asked me to pick someone who works hard, deserves the benefits, and would give it to me in a heart beat if they had it. I immediately thought of Emma. Even with her very small artist pay she had backed me on Kickstarter and is always helping to promote. Emma Badman has been a Wear Recycle cheerleader since the beginning.She even let me make some casts at her wedding ;).
Pavan Bapu
Pavan rocks. We went to college together but never had the same classes. Or maybe we had one, but I use to hand him out equipment at the photo cage. It wasn't until after we graduated, and I moved to Las Vegas that we reunited on Facebook. Pavan is one of the most dedicated people I know from college. He's successful, intellegent, and inspiring. I love hearing his stories and accomplishments. Pavan has been a great friend to Wear Recycle through advise about writing, editing, and fincially. Pavan is one of those people whom I expect to be on the top with, hands down. My expectations for him are grand, and he will most likely exceed them even.
The Thompson Family
When I went to Ohio I had very little money and a whole lot of needs. I started asking random people if they had specific items that I needed. I used Crystal’s gigs to network and get to know people. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about asking people that had no idea who I was if I could borrow their stuff. Luckily, I met Kathy, Andrew, and Ross immediately entering Papa’s Tavern and they agreed to let me borrow 3 large tables. This was the beginning of a very warm and wonderful kin-like relationship. Ross is a ten-year-old music prodigy. He can play piano, guitar, base, drums, and sings. He’s played with Crystal Bowersox, Buddy Guy, Chris Shutters Band, and has even had his own gig at Papa’s. I can honestly say that Ross is like my little brother, but Kathy and Andrew seem way to young and hip to be my parents so its def a magical sibling relationship. In addition to just be wonderful, the Thompsons donated
Peter Hales
Peter's support is a bit more special than just the money he gave me, though that was extremely helpful and meant a lot. Peter is also known as Professor Hales. He was one of the most intense and tricky art history professors I had. Omg, he gave us the hardest midterm. About 20 students and I left that class crying. Another half of the population cried when they got home. Let me tell you, for the rest of that class we all studied our asses off. When it was time for the final we all knew everything there was to know about everything on that study sheet. That final was half a page, or something like that. Piece of cake. Definitely felt cheated slightly, but knew that it was the type of cheated that would possitively affect my life for good. When Peter Hales donated to Wear Recycle years later, I was touched on a level that money doesn't give alone.
Billie Jean Tuomi and Company
I love Billie! We've known each other since, hell, elemantary school. Early elementary school. We were good friends during some of those young years and reconnected on facebook a few years back. She's got a husband and kids now and owns her own event planning company. Its nice to see that she seems happy. Billiw has consistently sent financial gifts over the last year, and always buys the Wear Recycle merchandise. It took me way too long to send that last thing that she ordered and she was calm and collected about it. Some people would have screamed, but she just reminded me nicely every so often... nd laughed at the crazy, but true, stories I told her that kept me distracted from sending it. Just want to note, she got it.... last week ;)
Paul Hanni
Paul is a Crystal Bowersox fan that found me because of my friendship with and photos of Crystal. He was nice enough to support me after my kickstarter efforts were unsuccessful. I still owe him a shirt and am about to send it out.... it's taken a while.
Rick Stump and Alissa Jockett
I love these two. They're friends of Frankie's from Ohio and we met during a visit to LA for Idol. Rick, Alissa, and I continued to keep in contact and have spent time together during LA trips of mine. My favorite is definetly the trip to the ocean. That was fun. Rick and Alissa funded me after an unsuccessful run with Kickstarter. It meant a lot and helped a huge amount. I was able to pay about 3/4 my road trip to pick up the Zappos, Rock Center for Dance, Dre, Rodney, Crystal and Frankie, Trish.... damn a lot of sculptures in Oakharbor area Ohio, and shoot a Wear Recycle Photo Shoot in Chicago.
The Thompson Family
When I started my most current, and successful fundraiser, to move to Oakland, I was so scared I cried during my first presentation. I mean cried for like ten minutes. The person I was presenting to handled me well. I was determined to raise the money I needed to get to Oakland. I started calling people I am comfortable calling my good friends, and fans of me and my work. Kathy was the second person I asked verbally over the phone. It was so uncomfortable, but because it was Kathy it was bareable. I know it means a lot to them that they were able to help, and I hope they know how much it meant to me. It's nice to have people who believe in you.
FG Middlebrook
FG is a Bowersox fan who has financially supported Wear Recycle. I'm not sure what his motivation was in it because we haven't really gotten to know each other very much, but he is well appreciated in my book, both for supporting me and being such a devoted fan to Crystal.
Jesse Smigel
Oh yea, Jesse wrote a check to Wear Recycle. He sees potencial, even though he thinks conceptual and process based art is a big crock of shit. This makes his donation special because it means on some level, he must be convinced its worth it. Oh yea!
Pauly Burke
I have a special love for Pauly because he's the first fully open gay relationship that my best friend since high school, Dave, engaged in. See, we knew Dave was gay all growing up, but Pauly was the only man to be cool enough for Dave to admit it to us MA peeps for. Pauly has forever props for that. I was so surprised when Pauly continued to follow Wear Recycle and financially support it after they broke up. That's really special and really shows Pauly's senserity of him. I look forward to spending a few days at the beach with Pauly, some time soon I hope.
Debbie MacKarell
Debbie is this sweet woman who's friend's with Kat. She actually reminds me of my mom alot, and I think they would get along well. Debbie has been kind enough to financially support Wear Recycle, but she also came up with the name; Torn Apart, to replace "the actual Wear Recycle exhibtion" which is what Torn Apart kept being before Torn Apart. Thanks Debbie :)
Camille De Guzman
Camille is this adorablely cute, young lady, probably not much past her teens if at all. She found me on the Idol network and had been in contact for a bit. When she donated after the kickstarter effort, I was touched that some one so young would care enough about the arts to get involved. She will be remembered for a long time for that. Camille lives in the Philipphines and I look forward to her showing me around when I get to Manila.
Patrons of Wear Recycle
Alex Frazier
This mighty gentleman is one of the first friends I met in Vegas. He has followed my progress and stayed a good friend. He purchased a copy of the Autumn, Priscilla Gallagos from the Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons exhibition. He lucked out though, I got different ink which didn't adhere to the paint well, so I gave him the original. Only for him, damn it. Only for him ;)
Carlo Roncancio
OMG! Carlo is one of the most fabulous people I have ever met. He's a professional photographer and great at it, coming from me that's hard to do but I thought Carlo's work was great before I met him. He came to Wear Recycle; On the Road Again at Artifice with stride, and prepared. Him and his husband walked out with half the whole show. Way to know how to make a lady artist feel special.
Glamorous Chef Ifayomi
This little but devine woman has been a huge inspiration for me over the last year. We are business women together and have proven to be there for each other when ever possible. She bought a piece from the first Mediums Explored series. Oh how much she loved that series keeps me going and makes me happy. I look forward to Ifayomi being a long time collector of Wear Recycle, and of me. I too, look forward to her creating me my meal plans, because damn if I can look good when I'm her age I will eat anything she tells me to, as long as she her team is cooking it.
Ari Eberlin
Can I just say that I love!!! Ari! He's this incredibly fashionable, flamboyantly gay straight man. I like to think if I were a male I would be something like Ari, except I probably would be gay. Ari purchased one of my darkest pieces, a medium study honoring my brother's dad into hell. It was a Dia de los Muertos piece for Blackbird Studios.
Edd Noris
Kick ass! This young man came to Wear Recycle; On the Road Again with Betina's roommate, Shelby. I had met him a couple times before. He participated in the silent auction bidding on the Wear Recycle, David Veliz, and Selecta Scream piece. There's was a mistake in the bidding and we awarded the piece to Carlo for the same amount. He came up and argued it, "I bidded the same amount". He was right, Carlo went up, he went up, I was in the middle of a bidding battle. It was a great close to a wonderful auction.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne is phenominal. She currently runs the CAC in Las Vegas and is very active in the arts community. She's like this cute little fairy with a fuck load of power in her. Anne not only bought a couple different pieces from the art auction, she also gave me advice on running my next auction and declared she would like to collaborate in the next collaborative fundraiser for Wear Recycle. It put a spark in my head and I'm already organizing it and preparing to make the paper.
Blond Mohawk Male Bartender at Artifice
He's kick ass. I helped hire him and knew right away he was going to get the job. He's a cutie, cool, and quick. Loved that he got involved in raising some funds for my trip. We talked for quite a while, afterwords, about Wear Recycle. Not sure if I was understandable, but he liked his piece none the less.
John Wotell
Let's just say that John actually got me to get up and sing Kataoke. We did Sonny and Cher, him Cher and me Sonny. It was a riot. I was scared, but he made it easy. John is Doug's great friend. Immediately, I was able to tell why. At the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again, he was the first person to take the jump into the auction. That made me smile :)
Erika Duetch
Erika is so sweet. Met her through Peter Mengert, one of my favorite Las Vegas artists).Randomly, her and I participated in a class to help market yourself as an artist together. They really pushed each of us out of our comfort zone. Erika and I kept in touch and she became a Wear Recycle sponsor during the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser.
Shannon Kidwell
Shannon has been some paper experience. This chic has made it, helped hang it, painted it, organized it, and then bought a shit load of it to do her own thing with. Super excited to see what she does.... I hear she's planning an off Wear Recycle exhibition in which she takes paper and photographs people wearing it. We'll see, I'm very interested to see what comes out of it.
Everyone Who Bought Posters, Photos in the Last Two Years
You all know who you are! You guys really did fund me the last year. Seriously. It seems like a little, but to me each poster sale meant a lot.
In-Kind Donations; Services
Verge Marketing Group
Verge was my first successful cold call. It was extremely nerve racking to meet Catherine Savello and present to her my Wear Recycle idea. At this point all I had to show was this really ugly, bulky packet that I designed myself. I presented the idea and there was immediate interest. We discussed what was needed and as long as her business partner, Denise Savello, was willing, they were in. Since that meeting Catherine and Denise have become a vital part of the Wear Recycle team. They have really taking Wear Recycle on as if its their project. I consider The Wear Recycle Poster Show they’re exhibition much more than mine. Their involvement took Wear Recycle from being an idea, into something visually understandable and real.
BTW Productions
BTW is owned and operated by Kevin Corey. Kevin and I met my freshman year in college. Honestly, we were heavy drinking buddies. I never would have imagined that Kevin would have picked up film and sponsored the conceptual art project I produce 9 years later. Its crazy! For Wear Recycle, BTW Productions has offered us a $20,000 documentary. We’re still negotiating the locations, but Kevin and his team will be spending some time following me. I can’t wait to reconnect in person!
Patricia Blauvelt
Tricia has been a good friend and off and on colleague for about five years now. She worked on Wear Recycle before I even thought about getting sponsors, before I even knew what I needed sponsors for. Trish has this amazing ability to take what I say when it lacks comprehension and make it understandable. I won’t even understand what I’m trying to say and she can decipher it. I would like to say that Trish and I have a truly unique ability to communicate with each other but I think that Trish is just great at communicating with everyone; we’ve just worked on such deep levels that you can clearly see evidence of it. She’s the best writer and editor I’ve worked with. Unfortunate to Wear Recycle, Trish is on a different path in life then devoting endless hours to Wear Recycle. When I can nab her on my team full time, I will.
Graphics West
My first meeting with Joe Kellenberger was perfect. I had been attending a Theata Healing class for a couple days and we did an activity to prepare me for our meeting before I left. When I arrived I was confident and Joe and I connected on many levels immediately. He’s from Chicago, loves art, and has a light hearted and warm energy to him. Joe made me feel comfortable and unpressured from the moment we shook hands. He has taken what Catherine and Denise have designed and made it distributable, made it real. Every time I get prints back from Joe, I am completely impressed by the quality. It really has taken Wear Recycle to a level that I could have only dreamed of without his support. The collaboration between him and the Verge girls have made Wear Recycle much more than a flimsy art idea; it’s now a recognizable entity.
Amos Martinez
If there was an award for being a fantastic, stubborn, and bold chemical specialist, Amos would win it. He would just go to his cabinets and piles of chemicals and stuff, and pull out a possible solution for the sculpting and art work problems I was having. He mixed my paint colors, it was great.
David Veliz
David has been the best assistant I've ever had. I've never met such a dedicated joy. He sponsored with endless hard working hours. In addition to pure hard boring work, David collaborated with Wear Recycle and Selecta Scream to produce the highest selling painting of the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifice.
Polly Weinstein
Polly and I immediately bonded in first contact. She's a little younger and from an opposite world than myself. What brought us together was our understanding and lean towards conceptual based art and our ability to clearly discuss our fnancial differences without beng pressured from either side. Polly has been teaching me how to feel comfortable around the topic of money. She has changed my view of it and has lessoned my pure fear of people who have it. If I am able to raise the $300,000 I want for the Wear Recycle US Tour, it is because she gave me the courage and ability to be myself around all types of people, including those who have the ability to complete to fund Wear Recycle in full.
Mystery Couch
There has been a gentleman that has been teaching me how to deal with people. He's been teaching me how to slow down and think about what outcome I want and what reaction is most appropiate to gain that. Its priceless information and has made me reavaulate my need to respond. His passing along of this knowledge is completely changing how I think about communication. He's a secret though, so only he can know who he is.
Just Ask Mary
As a Henderson Chamber of Commerce member I have been fortunate to meet some really wonderful, and really supportive individuals. That’s how I met Mary Marriot. I hired Mary to help me get my licensing paper work in order. She was kind, soft, and clear cut. I wasn’t sure if she would be interested in getting involved in Wear Recycle when I asked, but she was and has been a gem since. I give Mary my mess of money matters and she does what ever she does and tells me not to worry. Anyone can tell me not to worry about the money aspect of it, but when Mary tells me not to worry and just keep doing what I’m doing, it calms me and lets me focus on what I need to focus on. She’s allowed me to relax, which right now is priceless.
The Theta Tree and My Life
The Theta Tree and My Life are two international self help publishing companies that are both owned/co-owned by Cristina Hlusak. I met Cristina at a Henderson Chamber of Commerce breakfast in 2008. She has since become my Theta Healing instructor. The Theta Tree and My Life will be marketing Wear Recycle within their event grab bags internationally to attendants of their self help conferences with celebrity speakers. In the future, Wear Recycle will be presented at select conferences.
Valarie Zwahlen
First I want to say that Valarie gives me the coolest hairstyles I’ve ever had! We both acknowledge that in the industry I’m in, and to bring the project to where I want it to be, I need to look presentable. For the last year Valarie has assured that my hair stay presentable when ever possible, which is more often then I have ever gotten my hair done professionally prior. Val is the Wear Recycle hairstylist for the photo shoots. When I first started Wear Recycle, I contacted Val through model mayhem. She has styled the hair for each shoot so far and really adds both perfection and personality to each shoot. She’s a gift to work with.
R. Hanel Photography
Rachel has been one of my best friends and I would have begged her to help me with editing if she didn’t agree to right away. She is by far the best photo editor I am familiar with. For Wear Recycle she is going to edit one photo per shoot. These will be the photos that will be presented on the Wear Recycle website (as it develops) and in the Wear Recycle Digital Photography exhibition. I’m so excited to see my photos edited by her. She is mountains better than me in editing, and I know it will make such a huge difference visually to have her perfection combined with all the other teams member’s hard work.
Chef Ifayomi
For those of you who went to the Champagne Reception in Las Vegas, you were made aware of the incredible talents that Chef Ifayomi has. Her food is absolutely delightful. She’s a Vegan and Vegetarian personal chef, holistic healthcare practitioner, and training to be a natural pathic doctor. With the help of Whole Foods, Ifayomi cooked up, on site, an incredible feast for us to devour…yum yum yum. Her presentation was sophisticated and her energy was spectacular. I will be seeking out her services when ever there’s a budget to do so. Really I think she should cook for me everyday.
Suede Studio
There was a card competition from AIGA and a good friend of mine from Las Vegas convinced me to sign up. This friend is Ann Pettit with Suede Studio. She’s an incredible graphic and web designer, and she really helped me to design the card. For this card, Ann was trying to narrow down my previous name; Recycle Paper Sculpture Series, and wrote Wear on the front of the care and Recycle on the inside. I liked it and wala…we had a new name. Then, Ann built me a Nicky Watts Studios website on the word that I would pay her one day. We revolved it around Wear Recycle so that it could have some more credibility. This is the site that was used as the only Wear Recycle resource for over a year; and she still talks to me even though I haven’t paid her yet ;)…I love that site and can’t wait until it focuses just on fashion, celebrity, and talent portraits.
Aspen Communications
This is a technology company in Las Vegas owned and operated by Toni Thorburn. They provide an array of services to businesses including phone lines, internet, online storage, web hosting, and much more. Toni and I met as Ambassadors to the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and we became good friends. She let me cast her in front of a video camera, reporter, and cameras without even knowing what she was getting in to. Recently, Toni had offered to back up all my photos for off site storage. I am so pleased that they have fixed some run down hard drives and are providing me with a super hard drive to travel with. How wonderful, helpful, and stress releasing.
Kim Leja-Atwood
Kim is the owner of Elephant Room Gallery in Chicago. We worked very closely during the organizing of Seasons, Chicago and she turned out to be a key developer in formulating the concepts of Wear Recycle. Kim helped me to make sense of the first three Wear Recycle Theories and helped me to realize the project was about behavior towards people rather than solely documenting interactions with people. She really took Patricia Blauvelt's place while Trish was on leave. Our discussions were vital for the conceptual success of Wear Recycle.
Studio 222
James Wong is the owner of Studio 222 in Las Vegas. Its an environmentally conscious personal training facility. James was the first person I ever met through Twitter. Him and his wife, Chris, have been supporters of Wear Recycle; selling posters at his gym, taking me out for all you can eat sushi lunch, and now getting me strong so that my Wear Recycle journey doesn’t crash me down. He’s always made me commit to small goals to change my unhealthy behavior, slowly these goals have worked. One helpful recommendation was to eat a piece of fruit first thing in the morning. It really helps make the body happy and now I live by it. He wants to see Wear Recycle accomplish what my dreams are for it.
Paco Alverez
Paco is the man I always wished I was. He's intellegent, good looking, and can pee in the woods.... not to say I've ever seen him do it, but he has the goods ;). Paco was one of my keys into the Vegas Arts District by introducing me to people. Though this is extremely valuable, more so he came to my house and critiqued Wear Recycle. He has such wonderful ideas and let me tell you, when Paco gives me a good idea I am not going to just turn my back to it. If I get into the Cosmopolitan Artist Residency Program and when I complete a window for CAC, he should have all credit. I did not come up with those ideas, but they were great ideas and I'm going to run with them.
Lauri Tanner
Lauri is a non-profit fundraiser who advised Wear Recycle on how to move into the next phase for major funding over a series of five conference calls. She helped to clarify conceptual issues Wear Recycle was experiencing at the time of her help. She also financially supported Wear Recycle after the close the first Kickstarter run. I definelty owe her a shirt and gift package for her donation... I feel really bad about that, but the shirts are on there way!
Preator Consulting, LLC
Lazell is awesome! I couldn’t find anyone to man the grill for The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons, Las Vegas, and he came to my rescue. It was one of the last minute finds and I don’t know why I didn’t think of him before because he was perfect, chili pepper apron and all!. He not only came and stayed outside the whole time cooking for tons of people on a small charcoal grill, he let me use his miter saw which I still have in the garage. Lazell has treated me to lunch a few times and giving me priceless advice in business while we ate. He is good hearted and helps me believe in Wear Recycle.
Taylor Communications
I have just recently started working with Valarie Taylor about a month ago. She is definitely a fire cracker and I am so excited to have her on our new team. Not only has she sparked a whole new way of thinking among myself and Verge Marketing Group, she spent a large amount of time in San Francisco and is pumped to be involved in our next location. I am pumped to have her part of the ongoing team.
In-Kind Donations; Performance Entertainment During Events
Selecta Scream
This here is my favorite local Las Vegas DJ. Love him! He volunteered to play my Atomic #7 Wear Recycle Food Heaven as well as Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifice. Of course he played as well as I expected at both events. In addition, For the collaborative art work for the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifice, Scream joined in with David Veliz to produce the art work that sold for the highest amount of money. :D
Doug Ecks
Long breathe out. Doug did a great job as MC with JP for Wear Recycle; On the Road Again. There couldn't have been a better choice to keep that night together. And when Doug sang the winner of the auction, I almost died. It was hilarious. In addition, Doug helped to pull three forty pound buckets of paper through water, and good ole regular encouragement.
Jon Paul Raniola
I first saw JP at the Sopranos Dinner in this beaten up penny casino before it moved to Flamingo. I didn't know JP but the show was hilarious. He was the star, so I remembered him. I was introduced to him through Doug immediately noticed a wonderful magic between him and Doug. Having JP and Doug MC the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again art auction seemed like the only way to make it work. They did. They made the whole night perfect.
Betina Vazquez
Betina is this ultra sheek, exotic belly dancer. I have become very close with her the last month and she has eased my frantic. Betina was a Las Vegas Duke. I just simply love my Dukes. In addition to being a Duke, Betina performed a wonderful dance to open the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifice. She's so beautiful.
Ensemble Arts Academy
Claude Borders is the owner of Ensemble Arts Academy. He really is a nice guy and loves what he does. I mean, he runs a Rock School for high school students. It’s awesome! He has supported two of my events so far by bring out a young team of musicians. At the Wear Recycle Poster show; Seasons BBQ in Las Vegas, he rocked the house with a band of kids ages 14-16. They kicked ass!
Brian Walker
Brian was very kind to play my Seasons, Chicago reception even with tension between us. Hahaha. It was funny because I texted him from Crystal's phone asking if he would play and he questions whether I really wanted him to. Clearly he had also felt the negative energy between us. At the reception everyone loved him and it was a great decision to get him involved. It didn't work to loosen our tension like I hoped, but he put on a great show.
Jeff Brown
I didn't really know Jeff, but Crystal recommended him to play along side Brian, Ryan, and another guy from Arora who was great too but I can't for the life of me remember his name for the Seasons, Chicago reception. Jeff rocked it out on guitar and is such good company to be around.
Sean Jones
Sean Jones has been a friend of mine through out my last stay in Las Vegas. His family is sweet and kind. So when I realized i had never heard him play live, I jumped on the opportunity to have him play the Artifice event. I just knew it would work out. His solo performance was corky and perfectly entertaining and he really had a ball going back and forth with the Mcs. Great experience. Thank you.
Rude Dog
I hadn't met Rude Dog personally, but I had listened to the cd Amos brought home. Loved it! I wanted him to be involved in something I did, didn't know what or when, but eventually. Once I booked the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again event at Artifice, I knew I wanted him. The day after I told Amos I wanted Rude Dog, we ran in to him at The Beat in downtown Las Vegas. He agreed to play on spot. Oh so psyched I was. I look forward to seeing him in the Bay area.
Ryan Suzuka
Ryan closed out the Seasons, Chicago reception with his wonderful Hawaiin type tunes. He really was fantastic and was probably my favorite of the night. I truly appreciated all the music the above musicians contributed.
In-Kind Donations; Collaborative Art Donated to Raise Money for Wear Recycle
Alex Huerta
Mr. Huerta has been a great source of inspiration and good advice during this last run in Las Vegas. He spends his days making the 18b Las Vegas Arts District colorful. He has a galery in the Arts Factory and is endlessly making the Arts District active and energetic. For the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser Alex produced two pieces, one by himself and one with 3 Bad Sheep.
Amos Martinez
Betty! Betty! Betty! Amos painted my pet black widow spider, Betty, for the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifce in Las Vegas. He said he was going to paint a portrait of me, and I was scared. But then he painted Betty. It was hilarious.
David Veliz and Selecta Sream
These two rocking emerging artists painted a great collaborative piece together for the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser at Artifice in Las Vegas. Their painting sold for the highest amount. There was a battle over it at the end. It was awesome!
Crystal Solis (Cici)
What a sweet nice young lady this Cici character is. She has fantastic energy and is very encouraging. She painted this great character cartoon looking collaborative piece. Cici gets it. She does.
KD Matheson
I was painted by KD earlier in the year at the Erotic Heritage Museum. He has such a calm, organic energy about him. He made me feel comfortable and generally just love him to death immediately. We didn't get to spend much time togehter, but I was ecstatic when he agreed to make a collaborative piece for the Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser. He's just one of those people you don't forget.
Bernie Floss
I don't know much about Bernie, but he was extremely enthusiastic about creating a collaborative piece for Wear Recycle; On the Road Again fundraiser. I was really surprised and impressed by the piece. It was the first one to sell. :D
Shannon Kidwell
It was an ordeal with Shannon, I couldn't drop off the paper, I broke a piece, and finally I got to her house to hide it under Richard's truck in hopes it would still be there when he went out there. Then she got sick, wasn't sure she could finish it. I hoped to go pick it up before arriving at Artifice, but of course I was running about 15 minutes late. She brought it, about 6-615. It ended up being one of my favorite of the bunch. I wish I had more time to study it. I will have to go to Carlos' and do so.
Maria and Scott Vandermolen
These two, these two, these two... They are my most consistant supporters in LAs Vegas. Every single time I've had any little or big event, the Vandermolens have come and got posters or something small. They have my largest variety poster collection aside from participants in the project.
3 Bad Sheep
Love these three guys! The collective consists of Alex Huerta, Eddie Canumay, and Sky. Together they are unstoppable. Well apart they are too, but you know what I mean. Their piece for the collaboartion auction at Wear Recycle; On the Road Again was fantastic. Seriously, these guys are onto something.
Gia Ray
Gia and I were planning on collaborating on the Nice Never Lasts; Wear Recycle Poster Show exhibition. Things fell and we decided it best I find another artist. Last minute Gia asked me if I wanted to auction of the piece she had created for Nice Never Lasts. It was unexpected and helped transform my feelings in Las Vegas to positive ones. To me that piece being in the show meant more to me then just raiging money, as do all of the other pieces, but this piece in that night stands for an understanding between friends, that needed to be expressed. It mended some pian.
In-Kind Donations; Products
Kat Fitzgerald
I love me some Kat Fitzgerald! She is a major team player in the Northside Indie music scene. She’s an amazing event photographer and has the biggest collection of Chicago Gay and Lesbian community events in the last 10 years! She’s aspires to open her own restaurant with a music label attached to it. I’m so excited to hear what comes out of there. For Wear Recycle, Kat bought the 8x10 film view camera. This camera is amazing! I can finally shoot the Wear Recycle sculptures again! We have been stalled about a year and a half because of not having this camera. Its pretty exciting to start to be organizing the shoots again. I think it’s a huge turning point in the project and one of the most important sponsors thus far.
Enchanted Florist
I have been completely irresponsible towards Enchanted Florist and they have been nothing but absolutely incredible. Kathryn Null and I met at First Friday and clicked immediately. We barely kept in contact after that. A month before my exhibition opened I ran into her carrying an incredible arrangement for me! We had barely talked and the dates got confused. I felt terrible, but was so excited after seeing the arrangement. I told her the exact date that night. I don’t think we talked again and I was driving to the gallery the night of the Champagne Reception and it dawned on me there might not be flowers because I hadn’t kept in contact. I walked in to not only one, but two incredibly perfect arrangements. They were an ideal piece to the puzzle for the night of the event. The floral arrangements brought the presentation of the exhibition to a more sophisticated level and that was exactly what I was hoping for them to do.
Gama Print
Eliza Budiarto is great. She believed in me from the beginning and gave me a huge discount on the first sponsor packet, which got me some of my most important sponsors. She is a cheerleader Wear Recycle. She always made sure I felt good about continuing forward with it and not giving up. When I got into a bind with some printing for The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons, She came to my rescue with a really incredibly affordable price and printed it quick. I only regret that her and I haven’t had time to spend together. That should change.
Accushred and State Paper and Metal
Jeff Green was my contact into both of these companies and it was a cold call. He was immediately supportive and gave me three giant bags of paper. I’ll be honest though, I have been completely irresponsible with this sponsor and did not keep in good communication. They don’t deserve that. They really are responsible for my ability to build the 44 sculptures and make other paper experiments that were vital to Ohio’s success. State Paper and Metal donated the paper while Accushred shredded the paper that was donated. They arranged this on their own and really were so friendly and encouraging.
Whole Foods
Megan Moore was my contact at Whole Foods at Green Valley Ranch for The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons Champagne Reception in Las Vegas, NV. She was so nice and so excited that Chef Ifayomi was going to be catering it that she contacted the two other Whole Foods stores in the area to donate as well. She made it so simple and was really kind with enthusiasm every time we talked.
Fresh and Easy
Fresh and Easy really was easy. Collectively the people I talked to at each location, Melodie, Kim, and Cory, were really excited about helping Wear Recycle. Each store had a different way of going about their sponsorship, but each consistently had a great spirit. The stores that donated were: Both Boulder Highway, and on Horizon and Stephanie, Henderson, NV. Together it totaled $100 worth of food for the BBQ! Pretty great!
Farmer Kelly
Farmer Kelly let me go through her barn and yard to pick out random items I needed to get my work done. The most useful item I got from her was this big piece of fence that I was able to support a 48”x60” frame to make a recycle paper experiment for the Wear Recycle US exhibition. That experiment allowed me to understand that what I am trying to do is going to work. With out that piece of fence the whole experiment would have failed.
Food4Less
Two different Food 4 Less stores gave me gift certificates for the The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons BBQ, Both on Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV. It was awesome. Gift certificates were the best because it lets us get what we still really need. I ended up with a whole lot of hot dogs and condiments, but the gift certificates gave us the vegan dogs and veggie burgers.
Sam's Club
I met Terri Burke, the marketing woman at Sam’s Club at a Henderson Chamber of Commerce breakfast months before the exhibition. Her and I stayed in distant contact. She was always nice and pleasant, but it was clear we were both very busy. When the time came Terri delivered. When organizing a lot of large events in a row on no budget, dependable delivery means a lot. Terri was dependable.
Home Depot
Home Depot was sweet. It was the first time I went to ask a store for sponsorship. I was determined and he knew exactly how to handle me. Gave me my first store gift certificate. $25. That bought me the wood and screen for the frame that has been used three times so far for 48" x 60" paper.
Providing Housing
Rich Castro
Rich's involvement is complicated. We dated four years. He supported Nicky Watts Studios and Wear Recycle for three years, continuing past our romantic relationship. After we seperated Rich opened his house to me as a guest me to continue working on Wear Recycle. He paid for endless Wear Recycle expenses. He is a major and consistent vein of success for Wear Recycle and he is a key component in me being stable enough to succeed in it. I owe him my success, literally ;) I'll be getting him a sports car one day. In exchange for a Elenore. And a large check paying back the loan with generous interest.
Amos Martinez
Amos was a kick ass roommate! We smelled pig shit, roughed the heat, friended a spider, had a small fridge, and our own bathrooms. It was perfect.
Crystal Bowersox
Crystal is one of my best friends and has sponsored Wear Recycle in a couple different ways. When I was starting my Wear Recycle tour, Crystal offered me a place to stay in Ohio. My trip got extended almost three months longer than it was suppose to be. Crystal housed me, drove me around, let me build 44 sculptures in the house, kick her out when I needed space to make the canvas posters for The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons, let me basically live off her, and entertained me every night at her gigs. I was simply in heaven and it is definitely my favorite sponsor I’ve had.
In addition, Crystal recently called me and demanded I go on Twitter. She convinced me to cancel a Chicago trip I was taking to go visit her in LA where she bought me a phone for WR. It was her tactic to get me Twittericted. It worked. Now Wear Recycle is available to a much wider audience.
Luke Zamenek
Luke and I met briefly while he was getting ready to migrate southwest for the winter. I don’t think Luke has any idea of how pivotal his sponsorship was to the development of Wear Recycle. Not only did I make 44 sculptures in the house that he let me live in with Crystal for four months, I also taught myself how to silk screen, made all the posters for The Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons, and not only began to understand the Wear Recycle concepts, but really be able to discuss them. I would like to mention that we used all of his gas for heating and I’m pretty sure his pipes might have frozen, but hopefully he doesn’t hate me for it. He definitely deserves much love and a lot of credit. His house represents a turning point in which Wear Recycle went from being a quiet kite to an airplane.
Vegas Zen Yoga
Oh I love this place! It's a yoga studio that is just starting out inside Emergency Arts. When I was in town, they were having one class a week by a teacher named Maytinee. She was one of the best yoga instructors I've ever had, and I've had a lot. Vegas Zen Yoga has offered me unlimited yoga classes as well as requesting Wear Recycle as the resident artist of Vegas Zen Yoga. The installation will be an ongoing development of medium studies. The art work will shift, change and literally be disintrigrating as they hang.
Tony Kusian
One of the most important and sweetest gestures Tony did was to print out a manual for how to silk screen after I failed two days in a row and had one more day to get it right! You can basically say that Tony saved the Wear Recycle Poster Show; Seasons Chicago and I didn’t even ask him to. He also let me go to his house and use internet when ever I needed (we didn’t have internet at Luke’s place), and he let me move in once we ran out of gas at Luke’s. Before Tony even knew me he had agreed to let me store my stuff in his upstairs. Tony made me feel at home when I was there; he cared and wasn’t afraid to show it. He truly is a unique individual, in his very normal sort of way ;)
Kacey McCreery
Kacey is awesome! Twice when I went to Ohio Kacey hosted me. She picked me up when I needed her to and let me stay at her house. She fed me and entertained me. Kacey's energy is light hearted and free and spending time with her was a breathe of fresh air. She made picking up the sculpture on the Las Vegas-Mid-West road trip a wonderful experience.
Mari-vi Ortiz
Mari is a huge inspiration to me. She restarted New Works Group in college after it had been dorment for many many years. In her retirement I took over. Mari taught me bravery and hard work through her efforts in New Works, but in her photography she taught me observation and heart. Mari has supported Wear Recycle through encouragement, purchasing merchandise, and opening her house to me when I've come to visit Chicago.
General Support, Patrons, Inspiration, Encouragement (sometimes fed me):
Pam Lafrancois
The Lefrancois family is my family. No need for blood, Pam is one of my moms, Katie is a sister, Pete is a brother, and Dawn is Pa. They have taken care of me for over ten years now. Pam is one of my closest friends, but really is the type of mother I needed to balance off the type of mother my real mom is. She is stable, put together, responsible, conservative, and very "normal". The lessons I've learned from her, and her regular support has beem a driving force in my success. She believes in me.
Dane Huffman
Hehehehe. Dane is awesome. His sponsorship was to assist me in entering an important art event in down town Toledo, but he also let me use his truck when needed, assisted in handy man work, let me use his power tools (I love power tools), was an incredible Duke, and gave me great friendship …which is very important when you’re in the middle of no where in Ohio making endless art with no means of an escape. If you could put a price on laughter Dane would be leading the sponsor pack, right behind Crystal for the same reason.
Jesse Smigel
Hahaha... oh Jesse. We started hanging out because Jesse was helping me test different coats to put on the recycled paper so that I could print liquid emulsion on it. Things developed and he ended up really helping me challenge a lot of negative patterns I was demostrating. Jesse came into my life at this perfect time in which I was a total and complete mess. His blunt honesty really forced me to take actions against some really innappropiate behavior I was demonstrating. I'd like to think that he was a major turning point in me only recognizing my problem behavior to actually changing them....not to say I don't have a long way, but Jesse Smigel stands out as an important step.
Frankie May
Frankie was a different type of sponsor for Wear Recycle. He was one of the Dukes for Seasons, Chicago, but he also granted me permission to really analyze our friendship in terms of Wear Recycle theories. He helped me recognize the early pattern theories through discussing and confronting my reactions towards him. He was the sole reason I started to recognize the relationship between paper and people, the similarities of cause and effect within it.
Gia Ray and Gina Quaranto
Mmmm. Yum. Gia and Gina fed me much more times than I ever gave back to them. They looked out for me and made sure I was taken care of. It was very kind. They didn't even really know me for long, but they really made me feel loved and cared for.
James Atwood
James is Kim Leja-Atwoods husband and owner of Elephant Room Gallery in Chicago. When I did my first Livin performance during Seasons, Chicago at Elephant Room James was my runner. He went every wher eI needed him to go and even brought me back surprises on his own. He provided me with endless conversation and laughter. Not sure I could have done the Livin without James on my side.
Edward Samual Brettell V
Edward was a very special edition to the Livin that took place at Seasons, Chicago at Elephant Room Gallery. He was a random walk in and a freshman at Columbia College. A music Engineer/Production Major. He stayed and talked with me for hours...and came back....and back again. His time was valuable for sure, but what was really special about my experience with Edward was his hug. I've used this thruted forwarded pelvic hug during many of my artist talks to help walk people through the types of patterns/behaviors I'm exploring during the Livin performances. The Samual hug has developed a comic introduction to how patterns unconciously and physically affect us.
Brett Wesley Sperry
I love me some Brett. He's one of my dear new friends in Vegas. I couldn't count how many times Brett has taken me to dinner and treated me to drinks. Most importantly, though, is the conversation that takes place during dinner. I could talk to Brett for hours about art. He came to my house in North Las Vegas and critiqued Wear Recycle. Fabulous! It is because of him I realized Wear Recycle is not only a conceptual project, but its extremely process based as well. Very important. I'm hoping to open the Wear Recycle; Torn Apart US show at his gallery, but we'll see. Nothing booked yet.
Jamilah Adebesin and Mike Mason
These two cool cats not only came to visit me on my first night of my first Livin erformance at Seasons, Chicago at Elephant Room Gallery, Jamilah made her famous Jerk Chicken. Oh it didn't last long, everyone chowed on it. Mmmmm. It was so good!
Scott and Maria Vandermolen
Scott and Maria have been regular supporters of Wear Recycle since we met a bit over a year ago. They follow me on Facebook, gotten merchandise any time I've had something new, donated financially, and have been an emotionally supportive driving force. I believe I met Scott and Maria at the Vegas Artist Guild talk I gave and they have shown up to just about everything I've organized since. I get great enjoyment out of their company.
Chris Campagna
First of all, Chris is a phenomenal fellow artist from Chicago. He was casted me for years and that's how we developed our kinship friendship. He focuses on classical form and is perfect in his replications. What I've learned about sculpture while working with him will always have an affect on my own work. Most recently, while I was performing my first Livin at Seasons, Chicago, Chris wonderfully brought a bottle of wine and spent time with me. We played Uno and talked for hours. He also stored some of the supplies I used at the Livin while I arranged a road trip to travel with it back to Las Vegas.
Gail Outlaw
Gail is a very nice woman with a beautiful voice. She's a Bowersox fan who found me and was a supportive friend when I was extremely unstable and felt completely alone. I think I did actually meet her at The Village Idiot in Maumee, Ohio. That was am entertaining event.
Stefani Izquierdo
First and foremost: I LOVE Stefani. She is the developer and master mind of WoPro, Woman Professionals. Women professionally being woman. Her Papa’s from Cuba and she has such a Latin flair. I leave a tea meeting with her lifted, excited, and ready for the next step. She is the reason why I started the Champagne Receptions. That was an awesome event. She has been quite the life couch.
Imran Omar
Imran attended the second artist talk I had at Elephant Room Gallery, durinf Seasons, Chicago. While there he read my palm and told me I will be well known for what ever I do, but that I needed to focus on what I wanted to be known for. He told me if I do not focus I will not succeed. It is mainly because of this advise that I so strictly continued Wear Recycle without complicating it trying to be a professional photographer at the same time. I chose what I wanted to be known for and that was my art.
Carl Bowersox
Carl was a really great sponsor through friendship and health. When I was living with Crystal he would come over and exersize with me. This seems like it wouldn't be that big of a deal, but when you're trying to do P90X alone there really isn't nearly as much desire than when you can have someone with you struggling along with you (though he didn't struggle as much as me). Carl is a future personal trainer so I have to give him some props for helping me stay healthy so I could kee working hard on Wear Recycle.
Drew Wilson
I met Drew during my first Livin at Elephant Room Gallery during the Seasons, Chicago exhibtion. He was a random person that walked in off the street that spent hours with me. Drew and I had fabulous conversations and I really enjoyed his company. He's studying people. Very bright kid. He introduced me to Crystal Castle and was responsoble for me listening to Lady Gaga all the way through (all her albums) to realize that damn that chic's got some talent. I actually liked her.
Evan Bargiel
Evan was a walk in from Columbia College. He attended my first artist talk and reception for Seasons, Chicago at Elephant Room Gallery. His reaction was so possitive it really helped me to feel confident that what I'm choosing to do is the right decision; and with so many people telling me I shoudl get a job, that meant a lot. Thank you Evan.
Jing Song and Zhe Zhang
Jing and Zhe came to my first artist talk at Elephant Room Gallery during the Seasons, Chicago exhibition. Jing had a long lasting impression on me because she told me that the information that I presented made her change the way she was acting towards her family. She said she realized how much control she had in the situation. That touched my heart and has been fuel to the fire that helps me keep going with Wear Recycle.
Cindy Vilagram
Cindy was a huge supporter while I was going through some rough patched in 2010. She listened to me for hours, even if I went in circles. Cindy really helped me get through it all. She also attended my reception for Seasons, Chicago.
Joe Witkowski
Joe is an old friend and bought me dinner and treated me to beers a few times when I went to Chicago. It's because of people like him why I can keep going with this crazy Wear Recycle journey. Dinner makes the world go round. :)
Chris Markin
Chris has attended my Chicago reception, helped me set up my show (or acted as Duke while other people set up the show), and many other things that I don't need to get into. He's important, that's all.
Mike Lavero
Mike was really sweet. He let me borrow this wicked old metal card table for four months and the chairs to go with it. I have never seen chairs that fold out like that; they are true antiques and were so hopeful. He also brought us a big bag of bread. It was really thoughtful of him.
Ellie Barnett
Ellie is this sweet lady that works at Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi where Crystal Bowersox and Frankie May had gigs every Sunday night. I had been talking art with her and she told me about an important art event and helped me to attend it. I didn’t have nearly as many conversations with Ellie as I should have, but I always appreciated her thoughtfulness and encouragement.
The Village Idiots
In a general state, in addition to pointing some people out above, the Crystal Bowersox fan group named the Village Idiots have made a big difference to me since Crystal went on Idol. These people, you all know who you are, kept me above water in 2010. I was experiencing the hardest adult year I've had; was experiencing a break up that left me emotionally unstable, fell in love with someone whom I didn't want to be in love with and who didn't want me to be in love with him, lost my best friend, had no home, no friends in Las Vegas, family ties were rough, and I felt more alone then I had since I was a teenager. These people who later began calling themselves the Village Idiots after the bar Crystal and Frankie gigged at, were strangers, but were my main support system. They became distant friends. I haven't met most of them, but as a collective group they are in my heart. The found me as a fluke, the person whose friend was becoming famous, but many of them held out there hand and walked me through my tough time. It won't be forgotten easily.