The Powers That Be Revealed at Patreon?

The Powers that Be ~ Revealed?
It would appear that the powers that be at Patreon have been revealed.







The Creators and Patrons at Patreon seem to have the power to influence actual policy and there will be no fee changes at this time. That doesn't mean there won't be other changes in the future. It seems this may actually be a huge learning experience for all involved and the lessons will have an impact on the future of things there. 
"We messed up. We’re sorry, and we’re not rolling out the fees change....
Creators and Patrons,
We’ve heard you loud and clear. We’re not going to roll out the changes to our payments system that we announced last week. We still have to fix the problems that those changes addressed, but we’re going to fix them in a different way, and we’re going to work with you to come up with the specifics, as we should have done the first time around. Many of you lost patrons, and you lost income. No apology will make up for that, but nevertheless, I’m sorry. It is our core belief that you should own the relationships with your fans. These are your businesses, and they are your fans." 

Read More about this from Jack Conte on the Patreon Blog  https://blog.patreon.com/not-rolling-out-fees-change/

Thing-making and the sharing-of-the-things seems to be a perpetual learning experience. Isn't that as it should be? 

Running a business based upon the funding, support, and faith in and of the sharing of the Things must be a cray-cray challenge on a daily basis. I can't imagine HOW you would come up with a system that pleases everyone in most cases; but it must be especially difficult in this one. 

Not to say that I think for a second that the goal is to "please everyone." It can't be. But, an effort can be made to keep everyone informed so that each person has the opportunity to make that determination for him/herself...and time to respond to any impending changes should they arise. 

Life is unpredictable but, to my understanding; business shouldn't be. 
Patrons need to be able to have faith that they are getting what they paid for without any surprises. 

Creators need to be able to have an open dialogue about things to come. 

Both need to know that the Patreon, as it operates to meet the demands of a for profit business and not a charitable organization; is still doing that thing that helps keep creators creating. 
Can't help wondering how all the spinning will impact the marketing in this case. Some say, "bad press is still press." 

All the talk has provided PR coverage that the Patreon wouldn't have had without the need for this conversation... 
Kind of makes me wonder if it will work for or against those who decided to stay. 

Patrons, I appreciate you. 

Now... 

Let's get back to the art.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FEE CHANGES AT PATREON?
I am speculating about leaving Patreon because of this change... Cumulatively, I fear it truly challenges my conceptual policy of keeping the arts affordable to those who need them the most.




For now, I am willing to wait and see how things go...but, it does feel like the all-too-common method of using finances to "weed" out those who don't fall into the target category (i.e."creative class" as described at patreon...whatever that means).


The important bit is that 2.9% + $0.35 fee per pledge. What this effectively means is that if you give a dollar, Patreon will charge you approximately $1.37. If you give another creator a dollar, they'll charge you $1.37 for that too, even though the "fees" they have to pay on your pledges are charged as one lump sum by the credit processing companies.

Here's the original Patreon blog post about the change:

https://blog.patreon.com/updating-patreons-fee-structure/

and their Q+A for Patrons:

https://patreon.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005631963

If you'd like to give Patreon your feedback about this, here is a quick and easy link to their form: https://patreon.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

It is possible I will just end up resorting to this option for all of my patrons. 

BY REQUEST: For patrons not participating in Patreon, here is another way to Support the ART and the Creative Wellness Projects at the Studio 

Level A $15

 Level B $35

Level C $45 
This is a ONE Time charge for individuals who would like to Support the Art being Made here. This payment option is intended for those who are not interested in a long term subscription or commitment at this time. This payment is NOT tax-deductible and is NOT linked to the Rewards or Terms of any Patreon Subscriptions. 
Your support is greatly appreciated!

Winter 2017

Winter is coming. Although I just mowed my grass two days ago, I am aware the weather in Upstate New York will eventually turn. 

I have spent the autumn months enjoying an abundant harvest and learning new creative ways to use the what has grown here. In addition to food and medicinal uses, I am learning a lot about organic art supplies that grow right here in my own back yard. 

"Bird Spirit Rising" Corn Husk sculpture

"First Corn Husk Dolls" Boy doll by Dominic Carlton
Girl doll by Sheila L. Kalkbrenner

I finally had some time this year to dig deeper into this book by Nick Neddo. It is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning a more Earth-Friendly method of creating. 

Since publishing the book, Nick has created some amazing work using wild-crafted media. 

Although I doubt my body could handle the life style he has chosen, I am inspired by his approach and hope to apply some of these tools to the development of a more balanced approach to a creative life. When I know more about the "how" of it all, I hope to share these skills and learn more with other creators interested in a similar practice. 

Wrapping up Leah's Art Every Day Month with patrons at Patreon; in November, I have also been Embracing Dark Days to come with tools from Homespun Seasonal Living. In attempt to get grounded as the cold season sets in; I received and planted dormant Red Maple and Witch Hazel trees from the Audubon Society .

 The three of us are taking root for the winter as I take some time to read The Wave in the Mind by Ursula K. LeGuin.

I have recently assembled a new collection of Note Cards and Greeting Cards for the Holiday Season. Along with a few preparations from the Wild Pantry; I will be introducing these and some new hand-painted ornaments and gift tags with adoptable posters, prints and paintings at a seasonal sale at the Local Elk's Lodge on December 2nd.  

Sample of New Work created during Art Every Day Month

For the first time in a long time I feel like I have had the opportunity to prepare for winter and all that it has to offer.

I am thankful. 

Many blessings to you and yours this season! 

...THINGS TO COME

 SWAN Day Allegany County NY

SWAN Day Allegany County NY is held in honor of the many creative local women (and Men) working hard to bring the arts to our rural community. Thank You so Much for All That You Do!

NOW PLANNING FOR SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2018

SWAN Day/Support Women Artists Now Day is an international holiday designed by womenarts.org to showcase the power and diversity of women’s creativity. Local residents can be a part of SWAN Day by participating in our local event where local women artists have FREE access to a space to show, sell, and present the work that they do. 

Join us for our first planning meeting 1-3pm at the Studio on Jan. 20, 2018. 

RSVP by Jan. 15th.

MORE SWAN DAY PLANNING NEWS  

Jan 2018 Call For SWAN Day Sponsors at sheilalynnkart.com~Events

Jan 31^st ~ Deadline to book FREE studio/gallery space for your creative presentation or workshop. Rental FEES are waived for local women artists during SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2018~March 27^th-April 9th

Feb 2018 Announcing SWAN Days Art Show & Sale CALL FOR ENTRIES BY LOCAL WOMEN ARTISTS & Their Children (age 5-18). Entry Fee $10. Ready-to-display/hang entries accepted

March 23^rd 1-5pm and March 24^th 1-4pm at

SheilaLynnK Art Studio 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY.

Awards Determined by Visitors’ Votes.    Awards TBA April 9^th.  Categories Include:

“BEST IN SHOW (Adult)” $100, “Best Artistic Composition” $40, “Most Unique” $40, “Best Presentation” $35, “Best TEEN Entry (14-17)” $25, “Best PreTEEN Entry (ages 10-13)” $25, “Best Youth Entry (ages 5-9)” $25.

This is a FREE Exhibit open to the public during regular studio hours and special events.

  BECOME A 2018 SPONSOR of SWAN Days Allegany County NY or support this event via check made payable to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio 345 South Main Street Wellsville, NY 14895. Memo: SWAN Days Allegany County,NY This is a for profit business. Payment for Sponsorship listings is NOT tax-deductible.  

And now a brief STUDIO promo reminder....

Subscribe at $5 per month to receive exclusive NewArt4U.  

 You'll Get

One NEW artwork, digitally posted weekly in the patrons-only activity feed and ONE monthly Card featuring my original art sent within the continental United States directly to the address you provide.  [Shipping times may vary.]  

Includes

• Early access to my work
• Patrons-First Content Feed
• Vote on Future Content
• ONE monthly Art Card
• One NEW weekly artwork digitally posted for patrons only

Autumn Action Plan

Keeping the Art Affordable 

For All Members of Our Rural Community

Art Every Day Month Begins November 1st ~ Created and hosted by Leah at CreativeEveryday.com,I will be participating and sharing what comes up. 

Only my patrons will see these new daily posts. I am sure, as always, some will include easy-to-print versions of the work. BECOME A PATRON  for $1 per month to receive these daily rewards in November. 

Then, 

Subscribe at $5 per month to continue receiving MORE exclusive NewArt4U  when November ends. 

 You'll Get

One NEW artwork, digitally posted weekly in the patrons-only activity feed and ONE monthly Card featuring my original art sent within the continental United States directly to the address you provide.  [Shipping times may vary.]  

Includes

• Early access to my work
• Patrons-First Content Feed
• Vote on Future Content
• ONE monthly Art Card
• One NEW weekly artwork digitally posted for patrons only

My Creative Wellness Program is Ready! 

This independent study program is designed to support you in your transformation to Wellness. Get ALL Five Modules with printable activities and resources in an easy to read pdf document that allows you to work at your own pace. 

The program includes Sarah Love's  2018 "Life Is Beautiful" Complete with daily affirmations to nourish your Wellness, this calendar is a complimentary gift from me to you. 

For a one time payment of $35 you can 

UNLOCK THIS WELLNESS CONTENT 

The Creative Wellness Garden at the Studio is now a National Wildlife Federation registered WildLife Habitat. 

YEAR 4 of the Art For Arachnoiditis has launched! 

FREE as part of the "Artists Among Us" touring Art Program; "Painted Ladies" art Exhibit, featuring work by local artists,

 is now on display at the studio during Open Studio Hours.

Find out about all of this and more in the 

October Quarterly Newsletter from the Studio 

and Planning has begun for 

SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2018 

FIND OUT MORE

Subscribe to the Studio Newsletter 

Simplified in September

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The votes are in... 

Beginning September 1, 2017

Trying to make my patreon the central hub of all of my projects didn't work out as well as I had hoped. 

Now, moving away from the complicated rewards we tried out this Spring 

I will be getting back to basics. 

The $1 Subscription Rewards will remain the same. 

and.. 

ONE new upper level subscription will be offered. 

RECEIVE

One NEW artwork, mixed media painting or illustration, every week as a high res digital image attached (the way I attached this one from 2013) in the activity feed.

And ONE monthly Card featuring my original art sent within the continental United States (via real, live snail mail) directly to the address you provide.  [These will vary from a range of new pieces to pre-printed reproductions but, all will feature my own all NEW-post-2016-nothing-from-the-archives original art work.] 

ALL OTHER UPPER LEVEL SUBSCRIPTION TIERS WILL BE UNPUBLISHED AT THAT TIME. 

Forevermore, my focus at patreon will be only the visual art I create and All funds received will be disseminated to my many assorted creative wellness projects as needed.  The effort to itemize where the money went based on the rewards patrons selected just became too complicated to explain in an abbreviated manner. However, please don't hesitate to ask if you ever have any questions about the details of where your money goes.

Thank you so much for your continued support and your patience while I figure out the best way to share and fund my work on Patreon. 

August Approacheth

OPEN STUDIO HOURS

"DNR #CancerSucks"
August 2017~ (12" x 12" Acrylic on Stretched Canvas) will be on display during the Belfast Organization for Artists Annual Art Show at the Belfast Public Library in Belfast NY.

My Quarterly Newsletter tells more about upcoming studio events and my work that will be out and about in the world in August.

Wild Pantry ~ Weather or Not

In case you missed it, my Wild Pantry project includes photography, paintings, and illustrations about the indigenous and home grown plants from my Wellness Garden at the studio.  Rain or Shine I am creating Wild Pantry Art. 

AS FOR THE WILD PANTRY PREPARATIONS.... 

I don't know if we have broken any climate/weather records but, it has certainly been the wettest July I have seen in UpState NY in quite some time. I know that we need the water...and considering the drought conditions of previous years...I don't really dare complain but, I have to admit that the wet is having an impact on my ability to safely harvest some of the plants I would like to use. There won't be much surplus on some things this year but, I will be keeping others available for local pick up while supplies last. 

This month my Tinctures have been much more successful than my attempts to air-dry anything. My small dehydrator has been running over time to accommodate my own personal medicinal needs. 

Evening Primrose Root and St. John's Wort seem to be doing well and the tinctures should be ready by the end of August. 

As it is not raining at the moment; I am heading outside to address the Japanese Beetle Battle and do some damage control over the powdery mildew beginning to threaten the squash in the front garden. 

Hoping to post more about a positive outcome of these adventures soon! 

SCREEN FREE WEEK 2017

For my own Wellness; I am off-line this week. 

Glad to be participating in SCREEN FREE Week again this year and looking forward to some quality off-line time to disconnect from electronics and reconnect to my studio and garden. 

The studio will still be open during scheduled hours and visits are available by appointment. You may wish to call to leave a message at the studio as I won't be responding to emails and online messages as rapidly as I usually do. 

Doing this has become a seasonal tradition for me. I am noticing that it is a perfect way for me to intentionally shift out of the reclusive "virtually participatory" habits of winter. 





This year I am also starting it with the intention of establishing a more maker-friendly schedule to give me more time to make the tangible creations. My virtual creations and content satisfy one aspect of my need for creativity but, my hands are itching to feel the making in real time. 

My Patrons make it possible for me to unplug and make art. 
When I get ready to share the results of this Screen -Free- Stuff- Making -Magic on May 8th and the rest of the month, Patrons will be the first to see it! 

~Wishing all of you a low pain week blessed with passion-worthy inspirational moments. #screenfreeweek


Find out more about Screen Free week at screenfree.org

Spring Blossoms

Acknowledging my own mortality and embracing what matters most…Spring is blooming with changes and new rewards for me and for my Patrons. 

In May 2017 The “Meditators” and “Sages” reward levels will be closed and Replaced with “Sprites and Sages” at a subscription level of $8 per month it will be funding the Wild Pantry at SheilaLynnK Art Studio. At this level Patrons Receive Monthly Original Art featuring indigenous and homegrown plants for modern wellness and Wild Pantry instructions for one monthly Wild Crafting activity delivered via your activity feed.

So, “What IS a Wild Crafting Activity?” you ask. “Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or "wild" habitat, for food or medicinal purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas.” At my studio this translates into an art & nature activity that invites learning more about the plants that I use in my Wild Pantry.  Items: Monthly Art, Monthly Wild Craft activity 
SUBSCRIBE AT THIS LEVEL to receive these items after May 1, 2017 ending September 1, 2017. 

THE REST OF THE LIST 

“Infusers and Muses” Subscribe at $1 per month ~ Funds Tea4me. Lots of homegrown/herbal wellness teas while I work. Thanks for infusing the muse! You'll get access to the Patrons-First Activity Feed where I post bloggy updates and ideas where you can vote on future Patron-Only Content.
 SUBSCRIBE 

 “Meditators” $3 per month funds Markers4me to create these meditative designs. Thank You! You received access to the Patrons First Activity Feed, Twelve 2016 Mandalas to color, and ONE new monthly printable coloring page. You’ll receive your April Coloring Page as scheduled. May 1^st this subscription level will close.

“Sages” $5 per month pays for Paper4me. THANK YOU! You received All of the Above, and monthly sketches and notes from my Wild Pantry pages. You'll receive you April Wild Pantry sketches and notes as scheduled. May 1^st this subscription level will close.  

“Links” $10 per month funds Printer ink in the Studio. Thank you! In April you get all of the above, have access to special previews and Patron Only discounts, and all existing content in the patron only activity feed. Beginning in May 2017 ending September 1, 2017, this Reward level will become listed as “Sacred Sisters” to fund the Creative Wellness Circle at SheilaLynnK Art Studio. Patrons at this level get access to my Sacred Art Series of ten PYO Notecards as a pdf for your personal use.  Each month you will get Patrons-First access to original Sacred Art celebrating Nature and the Feminine Face of Spirituality.[BTW~Be sure to follow your printer manual when printing on cardstock at home.This pdf also includes licensed consent from the artist for you to have the cards printed at your local facility.] SUBSCRIBE AT THIS LEVEL
 

“Allies for Arachnoiditis Survivors” $12.50 per month $11 per month goes directly to  artforarachnoiditis.org, Thank You! You Get All of the Above and access to all the existing patron-only content posted for subscriptions under this level. Subscriptions are NOT tax-deductible. Tax-deductible contributions are accepted via my fiscal sponsor, NYFA.] ($1.50 service fee)
SUBSCRIBE AT THIS LEVEL Offer ends August 30, 2017.

“SWANS” $14.50 per month ~ $13 monthly funds SWAN Days Allegany County NY, Supporting local Women Artists, you get access to All of the above listed Patron Only Rewards in the Activity Feed.  ($1.50 goes to service fees) Offer ends August 30, 2017.
SUBSCRIBE AT THIS LEVEL

“Mediagicians” $15 per month~ In April 2017 you’ll get your scheduled DigiPix page. Then, beginning in May 2017 as I jump head first into travel writing and photography in a way that will expand my existing photography collection; you will become “Mediagicians and Travelers” receiving access to the existing content in the patron only activity feed and original Art from my Photostock collection. With your paid Subscription; every month you’ll get access to the content in the patrons only activity feed PLUS 4 High quality digital images from my photostock collection (an average of one per week) and exclusive patron previews to travel updates, articles, new additions to my photostock collection, and videos from these new wilder wellness adventures that will surely have an impact on the art to come. Not sure where this road will take us but, the collection includes: landscapes, skyscapes, nature, events, people, and more. Offer ends August 30, 2017.

Item: Four Original Photostock images per month
SUBSCRIBE AT THIS LEVEL

​BROWSE:

• ​​MY DESIGNS ON FABRICS AND FASHIONS​​​​​​
• ​MY PHOTOSTOCK PRINTS AND POSTERS​
• ​PORTRAITS
• ​MY PAINTING PROJECTS
• MY WILD PANTRY ART
• ​PRINT YOUR OWN Illustrations from the Studio
• ​PROJECTS MADE POSSIBLE BY MY PATRONS

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:
SWAN Day Allegany County NY
The Belfast Organization for ArtistsThe Creative Wellness Circle
The EIGHT WEEK Online Creative Wellness Program

Marching On...

I really like the way that the subscription option at Patreon allows My Patrons to choose how much they would like to spend and how often.   

In the interest of doing something similar-ish for my local patrons; I am trying this new offering that allows them to choose how much they would like to pay on instock pre-printed and original art for local pick up and payment at the studio during open studio hours .

The instock collection includes 11" x 14" poster prints in protective sleeves, a few 12" x 12" paintings on canvas, 2017 Calendars, notecards and post cards, and odd sized photo prints. 

While supplies last, local patrons select the art, 

give it a home, and pay what they can. This option will be in place for visitors to the studio 

during SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2017 

 Women Artists of All Ages from Allegany County NY and surrounding Areas are invited to Join the 10th International SWAN Day Celebrations! Join us as we Support Women Artists Now.

The official date for the 10th International SWAN Day is Saturday, March 25, 2017. SWAN DAY ACTIVITIES AT THE STUDIO  ARE SCHEDULED FROM
March 25th to April 6th.
with additional events around the county during the months of March and April.

The Art Show & Sale featuring art by local women artists is 

FREE and Open to the public during Open Studio Hours.

Youth (Girls & Boys Age 5-18) Entries Also Welcome

Entries ($10 each) Accepted at the studio March 17th from Noon to 5pm.
Entry Forms are available in pdf format attached to the Call For Entries at Patreon. GET ENTRY FORMS

Winners will be selected by popular vote. Ballots will be cast by visitors during open studio hours from March 25-April 5th. Visitors will sign in to receive ONE ballot to cast a vote for their favorite work in each category.

[AWARDS TBA April 6th during closing ceremony 5-8pm. “BEST IN SHOW (Adult)” $100, “Best Artistic Composition” $50, “Most Unique” $50, “Best Presentation” $25, “Best TEEN Entry (14-17)” $25, “Best PreTEEN Entry (ages 10-13)” $25, “Best Youth Entry (ages 5-9)” $25.

SWAN Days Open Studio Hours: March 25th Noon-4pm Opening Reception, Closed Sundays March 26th & April 2nd, Open Mondays Noon-4, Tues & Thurs. Noon -4 & 5-8pm, Wednesdays & Fridays Noon-6pm, Saturdays Noon-4pm.

BECOME A SPONSOR 

or

SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2017 Sponsors

Subscribe Here  at Patreon Now to get rewards when you support local women artists via these annual SWAN Day Activities.

Sponsored In Loving Memory of
Shawntelle M. Santas

Platinum Sponsors
Women Arts

Creative Wellness Sponsors
Ariel's Naturals 2016

Co-Hosts
SheilaLynnK Art Studio
The Belfast Organization for Artists

Refreshments to be provided by Baking Production and Management At Alfred State College 

MORE DETAILS  

Also happening at the studio DURING SWAN Days

RSVP by March 13th  to attned the PLARN Art Basics Workshop 

Growing a local Circle of Natural Feminine Energy for Creative Wellness & Intentional Unity for all who attend.Together let’s create a safe local environment for Sustainable Independent Wellness.

UNIFY Global Sisterhood will post details and announcements about their next Online Circle on International Women's Day, March 8, 2017 HERE

In Wellsville, we will be Calling in the directions at 7:15pm on March 27, 2017.
 [RSVP by March 20, 2017.]


As always, I am sure we will discuss some aspect of Remembering the Feminine Face of Spirituality and hearing your input on what YOU would like this circle to become.

Creative Wellness Circle Newsletter Feb. 2017

SUBSCRIBE TO GET MONTHLY CIRCLE NEWS

CREATIVE WELLNESS CIRCLE ON FACEBOOK