Project: "Pressing Matters": A Community Gelli Printing Project

Images

Description

Pressing Matters is an intergenerational community art initiative centered around Gelli printing, an accessible monoprinting technique that requires no press and produces vibrant, unique prints. This project will connect diverse community members—from young children to older adults—through a series of workshops held at community venues in Muncie, Indiana. The project will culminate in a collaborative exhibition that showcases the collective artwork at prominent locations during the community’s First Thursday Art Walk.

Project Goals
1. Create accessible art-making opportunities for community members of all ages and skill levels
2. Foster intergenerational connections and community building through shared creative experiences
3. Increase participants' confidence in their artistic abilities and creative expression
4. Showcase the power of collaborative art through public exhibitions
5. Creative placemaking through positive shared experiences with art, community, and Muncie’s “Third Spaces”

Target participants are children ages 3 and up through seniors, families, artists & non-artists alike

Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation (1 month)
Secure funding, purchase materials & equipment, develop curricula for age groups and intergenerational groups, create promotional materials, establish partnerships with participating venues, begin registration for workshops
Phase 2: Workshop Series (2-4 months)
Conduct workshops at venues (8 workshops with 6-15 participants each, depending on age and group makeup), document the process through photography and participant testimonials
Phase 3: Exhibition (1-2 months)
Prepare exhibition materials, design and build the display components, install the exhibition, host opening reception during First Thursday events, document exhibition, gather feedback from participants and visitors

How will this loan be used? Please provide an itemized list of expenses that will be covered.

Materials
Gelli plates (16): $480
Paper supplies: $150
Acrylic paints: $800
Brayers and rollers (16 x 2 sizes): $660
Found objects to print, stencils, masks, stamps, and texture tools: $200
Scissors, craft knives, glue, and other tools: $200
Storage containers: $50
Cleaning supplies: $100
Subtotal: $2640

Exhibition
Mounting materials & installation supplies: $300
Opening reception costs: $200
Printing & marketing (exhibition labels, promotional materials): $100
Subtotal: $600

Personnel
Lead artist teaching fee: 8 1.5-hour workshops: $600.00
Photographer $150
Subtotal: $750

Grand Total with Exhibition $3990

How will your project generate money?

The first batch of classes will generate money through class enrollment. It will generate interest in more classes. As other venues and organizations hear about the classes, they will be able to schedule the experience for their clients and groups. One of the benefits of using Gelli printing plates is that they are reusable. I will need to replenish the paint supply and cleaning supplies as they are used up, but the plates have hundreds of uses as long as they are properly maintained.

When do you expect to be able to repay this loan?

I hope to be able to pay it back by late 2027.

Do you have experience or support that will help this project succeed? Links to your previous work are helpful here.

I bring extensive experience in both community arts programming and art education to this project. You can learn more about my recent work by visiting the portfolio on my website at https://mollyschaller.com/work-2/ux-design/:

Arts Education Experience: Twenty years teaching art to diverse populations through published how-to articles, presenting on PBS television, and teaching in-person classes

Technical Expertise: I have taught classes in jewelry making, fiber art, printing, and community art projects that focus on making art accessible, like Gelli printing

Exhibition History: Curated and managed community art exhibitions, including IN-Focus 2025 (photography), Open Space (in collaboration with Minnetrista Museum & Gardens & Red-Tail Land Conservancy), Hues of Happiness (a show in memory of Marilyn Ault), Figures of Speech 2024, Duos, and Intertwined 2024 at the Anderson Museum of Art

Community Engagement: Established record of successful collaboration with Muncie arts organizations, including Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and the Muncie Public Library as well as leading craftivism initiatives that engage participants from around the country such as Shining Light into Shadow (with Notable Women of Muncie and Delaware County), Power Pockets (with Ball State University for Women’s Week), and The RBG Project (using art as a way to express individual ideas with communal experiences)

Project Management: Led community-based arts initiatives, including managing art installations and exhibitions at the Anderson Museum of Art, Shining Light into Shadow (collaborating with Notable Women of Muncie and the Delaware County Historical Society), Power Pockets (collaborating with Ball State University for Women’s Week), and The RBG Project (organizing remote and in-person gatherings)