« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
Jacie Lee Almira, Board Member
Jacie Almira of Asian America Women Artists AllianceThere are many individual voices in America. With time, many of those voices merge to form a collective shout. In 1998, that shout was the Asian America Women Artists Alliance (AAWAA). The AAWAA was formed to bring the experiences of upcoming and established women artists together in a space that fosters their diverse and unique experiences, with help from individuals such as Board Member Jacie Almira, 32. From paintings and installations to performing arts, artists of all levels and backgrounds have a chance to inspire others with new ideas. They're still at the start of a journey, but all of AAWAA's achievements are poised to take them far. Read more about this dynamic organization in this week's Non-Profit Spotlight.
Non-Profit
Asian American Women Artists Alliance
Founded
1998
Website
www.aawaa.org
Name
Jacie Lee Almira
Age
32
Hometown
Queens, New York
Current residence
Falls Church, Virginia
Education
School of Visual Arts, BFA Painting, 2001
Work Experience
Asian American Women Artists Alliance, Assistant Director, 2004-present
Trust for Museum Exhibitions, Assistant to the Chairman, February to June 2005
Trust for Mutual Understanding, Executive Assistant, 2002 to 2004
The Garth Group, Inc., Executive Assistant, 1997-2001
Ethnicity
Filipino
About the non-profit
Asian American Women Artists Alliance was formed in 1998 to create an intergenerational, pan-Asian organization on behalf of emerging and established Asian American women in the arts. The founding members recognized that the work of these artists reflected and interpreted an important range of American experiences. AAWAA provides opportunities to increase exposure and to educate the general public about this community's unique contributions to the arts in New York City. AAWAA is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization. Our organizational structure is constantly evolving around new members for ideas and energy. Our sense of mission fueled our early years and has carried the organization to its present development.
Most notable milestones
In 1999, we received 501c3 non-profit status after one year of incorporation.
In 2000, our exhibition received its first critical review by Piri Halasz, a respected art critic in NYC, and she has kept an eye on us since then.
In 2003, AAWAA Gallery in Brooklyn had its inaugural opening.
In 2004, we were honored to receive funding from the Ford Foundation to assist us in the development of our board of directors.
In 2005, we received a 2nd round of funding from the Ford Foundation for the strategic planning of the exhibition project entitled Home Room.
This year we completed a documentary project titled "Chinese Women Artists of the Early 20th Century," a 28-minute video introducing for the first time the forgotten Chinese women artists who were raised in the foot binding era and broke away to pursue art.
What's the niche?
The organization has enabled emerging women artists, especially those of Asian descent, to create art and present their works to the diverse communities around New York City. AAWAA creates a welcoming environment where these artists can meet, exchange art resources and information, and exhibit their work. Through group exhibitions, AAWAA cultivates and brings together a broad range of artwork from diverse and multicultural constituents. Our exhibition programs present works of all artistic levels which represent the swirl of new work emerging from the cultural interplay between East and West. AAWAA brings artists together to inspire and encourage each other, and to present their unique perspective to the greater community.
What's the biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge is, of course, getting funding for our programs. It took us eight years to get funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs, but we were finally successful in 2005.
Tea Festival at closing reception for Aggregates
What's in store for the future?
Besides sponsoring exhibitions, we are looking into new strategies for harnessing the talent of Asian American women artists to showcase diversification. AAWAA is creating new ways to reach out to new audiences, such as students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities by working with schools, public libraries and other nonprofit organizations. Future activities will include Shadow Puppet plays and workshops, movie series showings (movies are chosen specifically for stories about the unique experiences of Asian women around the world), and video productions for promotion and publicity.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
We'd love to work with video/film professionals on a full-length documentary of "Chinese Women Artists of the Early 20th Century." And we'd love to hear from art galleries and museums that would be interested in showcasing the work of our many talented artists.
« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
Dance Performance by Kyung Ok Kim
Best way to keep a competitive edge
It's not so much being competitive as it is doing the best work we can in order to gain respect and, more importantly, to get enough grant money to survive, without compromising our mission. To achieve this, we must know what's out there and what needs our artists have and how we can successfully merge that with the needs of the community.
Guiding principle in life
To never be trapped by my own expectations.
Yardstick of success
For AAWAA, the yardstick for success is seeing Asian women artists coming together to celebrate who they are through their art and their culture.
Goal yet to be achieved
We strive for greater financial security through more funding.
Aggregates at Ceres Gallery, August 2006
Best practical advice
As an artist, follow your instincts, no risk is too great.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
"Here's a $100 donation to the organization!"
Mentor(s) and why?
I have people who inspire me to be better. A boss who taught me poise and professionalism, a friend who makes me look at the truth inside myself, a mother whose love and support encourages me, and a husband and child who challenge me to be the best I can be everyday.
What motivated you to get started?
I wanted to find a group of like-minded artists and found AAWAA. Their drive and determination inspired me to join and take a more active role in the organization's day-to-day operations.
Like best about what you do?
I find helping emerging artists to be the best part.
Like least about what you do?
Hearing that we did not get a grant.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For my sixth birthday someone gave me a doctors bag complete with stethescope and head lamp. Up until my third year of college (as a pre-med major), I thought I'd end up being a doctor. I didn't truly know that I wanted to be an artist until college was nearly over, and after building up the courage I decided to quit that course and follow my passion for the arts.
What was your first job?
At the age of 12, I worked at a video store in Queens, NY for a few hours on Saturdays. It was more like playing make believe than actual work.
Gallery I, Contemporary Art Exhibition, June 2006
Biggest pastime outside of work
I wouldn't call it a pastime as much as a vocation; I am mother to a five-month-old baby girl.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
Dead: Marcel Duchamp because his work gives me goose bumps.
Living: Bruce Nauman, same reason.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
Martha Stewart. I admire her savvy and it would probably be fun to learn a new craft project or two!
Three interesting facts about yourself
I am a mixed media artist.
I've kept a daily journal for well over a decade.
I will sing anytime and anywhere!
Three characteristics that describe you
I like to laugh, I make others laugh, and I always laugh at myself.
Three greatest passions
1. My Daughter
2. My Art
3. My Family
Favorite book
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Favorite cause
Emerging Artists.
« Previous 1 2
1 2 Next »
Also this week
Don't forget!
Young & Professional Profile | Note2Self | News2Know
|
Top of Page
Young & Professional Profile 
Non-Profit Spotlight 
ConnectionPoint
