Artist Initiative Grant

      I am pleased to announce with you all that I am now a recipient of the FY 2013 Artist Initiative grant for the Minnesota State Arts Board. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am. This grant will work as a huge stepping stone for my photographic career.

      I will achieve the following with the help of this grant: purchase lighting equipment and a computer, continue my environmental portrait work on the Iron Range, and showcase my work in a solo exhibition in the Twin Cities.

      A special thanks goes out to all of my photography instructors from AI for all their support and encouragement. I wouldn't have a clue on how to write grant proposals if it wasn't for Becky Olstad's Specialization class. Thanks to, Colleen Mullins, for her support and willingness to fill me in on notes from the review panel. Thanks to Anthony Marchetti and Caroline Houdek for their support and input on my Iron Range work. Thanks to all of my friends at AI for your critique and support. Thanks goes out to my grandparents, Francis and Velga Robertson - the foundation of my Iron Range work. I love you guys. Thank you mom and dad. Thank you, Sara. Thank you, Jesus.

      Expect to see in-progress blog posts of my Iron Range work throughout the year. For those of you unfamiliar with my Iron Range work thus far, visit my website at www.brandonlepasti.com. Thanks a million!