Local artist sets sights on NY display
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Jason Grass, a University of Maine at Presque Isle alumnus and photographer, has been approached by a New York gallery interested in displaying his work.
A 2009 graduate of UMPI, with a bachelor of fine arts degree, Grass also attended the New York Institute of Photography. He began his journey as an artist over a decade ago in a most unconventional way — after he received his training as a private investigator and started taking photos, he discovered how much he enjoyed the medium. It was then he decided to use photography as his voice for subjects that he felt rather strongly about. He has since furthered his education in the field, and has taught photography privately, as well as through the Fort Fairfield Adult Education program.
His first contact with the New York agency occurred last fall.
“On Nov. 23 I was contacted by the Agora Gallery in Chelsea, N.Y., wanting me to apply to be managed. I played with the idea and started my application but didn’t get it finished in time,” said Grass, noting he thought that would be the end of that opportunity.
Such was not the case.
“On Jan. 3, I received a personal e-mail from the director stating that they had not received my application in full but decided to take a look at my work online and (they) find my work to be a great fit for their gallery and other galleries in the New York City area,” said Grass.
Unfortunately, Grass said costs associated with being managed are a bit steep for his wallet.
“The cost for representation begins at $3,850. That was the hard part,” he said.
In order to come up with the money, Grass has been looking into fund-raising options, including a new online method of raising funds.
“I started a fundraiser on kickstarter.com to raise $5,000 for this fee. Kickstarter approved my application to aid me in my endeavor,” said Grass.
Kickstarter.com allows donors to choose from a variety of individuals and businesses seeking financial backers.
“My page went live on Feb. 27. The site for this page is www.kickstarter.com/projects/jgras/just-like-me. I have until 8:35 a.m. on Friday, April 27, to reach my goal. If I am unable to reach my goal of $5,000, then I lose everything that was pledged,” said Grass.
Those interesting in supporting Grass’s goal will be rewarded for their contributions.
“For people backing my work and donating to me through kickstarter, they will receive a reward for their efforts, which are listed on the kickstarter page on the right-hand side of my main page,” he said.
Grass said the more people give, the more they receive.
“One example is for $25 you would receive a matted, signed four-inch by six-inch print signed by me from one of my series over the past 12 years; if you give $500, then you receive a personalized invitation to the show in NYC that will be at the Agora Gallery. There are many other rewards on the page, but those are two examples,” said Grass.
