As some of my oldest friends know, I’ve been doing art fundraisers for my study trips and projects for close to 10 years. 
 
I recently looked back and I’ve done art boxes in order to get to Svalbard, Greenland, Italy (twice!), the  Arizona/Mexico border, the Lofoten islands–all in exchange for paintings, etchings, paper flowers, cyanotypes, books of short stories, and most memorably: passive aggressive postcards from Santa Claus from (almost) the North Pole. There have been additional goodies of coffee, candy, chocolate, the list goes on. And to those of you who keep supporting me (you know who you are)...thank you. 
 
So with lucky number 7–in service of my December stay at the American Academy in Rome–I’m doing it again, and I want to make it especially great this time. Unlike surprise boxes of years past, this time you will be receiving your box ahead of my trip rather than after it. In this case, just in time for the holidays so it’s a great gift for yourself or someone you know. 
 
All I can reveal about the contents is that there will be an original painted artwork, a completely handmade frame, as well as a very vintage element (over 100 years old!) incorporated into this. In addition, you will receive a batch of this year’s holiday cookies, the theme of which is also a surprise. If you have followed my past creations you will know my past bakings have included trompe l’oeil oysters, rock crystal geodes, and deadly mushrooms. I can only promise it will be something very special and very fun.
 
In order to have the ability to make this package really elaborate, I’m limiting the number to far fewer than I have in the past. Secure your surprise box now -- it will run out!