A New Chapter Begins
Hello dear Wilder Collage community,
I recently wrote an email to the members with some shifts that will be happening around here but I also wanted to make sure you were in the know as well. You can find my note below:
What an incredible two (almost 3!) years it’s been learning and growing alongside you. I have throughly enjoyed every moment.
Maybe you are new here or maybe you've been here since day one, either way I must start this message with total appreciation. I appreciate you and I'm grateful for your contribution and support that has kept this space alive (and wonderful if I do say so myself) over the last few years.
I'm writing today with some really big changes, the announcement of the final month as we know it and what the next chapter might look like.
What: First, March will a normal month here -- it will also be our final month.The Wilder Collage membership, as we know it, will be coming to an end.
Why: I'm sure you're wondering what sparked the change and I'm more than happy to share. I know that if I want to be proud of the work I'm doing I can't be stretched so thin.
I feel stretched so thin. :P
With my new job at my children’s school and being close to family I’m always on the go. If I want to spend less time online (I desperately do) and more time making art, it’s time for some space and regrouping.
What's next: These calls with you give me life and I can't imagine my world without them. I've had inclusivity on my mind for months and have been wanting to take down the payment barrier for quite some time.
First, I'll be taking a breather. I'm taking a break and not sure for how long. Then, I'd like to put some gathered/hosted calls together, even if they're less frequent. Please stay tuned for this!
How to stay in touch: After March, I will not longer be in touch through Patreon and will spend little time on social media. I'm simplifying! There will be two ways to stay in touch with me and anything Wilder:
Wilder Collage email list - for all things coming up with Wilder Collage
Personal email list - keep up with me (Elyse') and my art
Cool people doing cool things in the art world: Luckily, there are some really cool people out there doing cool things that you might want to check out! I know how important community is.. here are some community gathering options that are currently happening. If you know any more, please feel free to add them in the comments!
The Art Queens Membership (paid) - I've been a member of the Art Queens for 4 or 5 years. I love them!
Lava Lamp Lounge (free and paid) - Morgan runs a free meet-up every Monday through Substack and she also has paid offers. I've attended and love her energy!
Photo Trouvée Magazine Patreon Membership (paid) - two monthly calls a lot like Wilder!
Hollie Chastain Patreon Membership (paid) - I read about Hollie's group in Contemporary Collage Magazine. I've never participated with her so I don't know personally but wanted to share the option just incase you'd like to check it out!
New York Collage Ensemble (free zoom calls every few months, they announce it on Instagram) - they have one coming up soon with Danielle Krysa!
So many different collectives and challenges all around the world. I appreciate and celebrate them all!
I really don’t look at this as goodbye or the end... I'm looking at it as a shift. That's keeping my spirits up as I do feel sad today. Even if it feels right, it doesn't make it easy.
Any questions about anything at all, feel free to let me know. I'm happy to answer. You can comment, DM or email me! elyse@wildercollage.com
If there's one thing I can't say enough, it's thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Keep creating.❤️
Elyse'
