Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Aust.
Julia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a family of artists, taking art classes, music lessons and was pretty much surrounded by creatives my entire life.
I started creating resin paintings in 2016 which caught the attention of friends and family on social media. Their enthusiasm inspired me and I was motivated to keep creating, everyday. I refused to pay for TV or internet at my apartment that way I was forced to create when I got home from my 9-5.
Soon enough, my 450 sq ft apartment with stacked with paintings so I thought, “maybe I can sell them!”.
In April of 2018, I hosted the first Wander Forever Collective art showcase. In a small storefront on Hollywood Blvd was an intimate art gallery event where eight artists shared their craft. Several of these artists had never shown their art to the world and were suddenly empowered by the amount of support we received.
Since then, we’ve hosted three similar art and music events, the Noho Art Walk by The Arts Institute and curated the artist gallery at Camp Trip Oasis festival.
As of April 2019, we are a not-for-profit artist collective with a vision to inspire creative expression while providing opportunities to explore, create and share art.
We want everyone to know that YOU ARE CREATIVE and remember to TRUST YOUR VISION.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been surprisingly smooth actually and I think that has everything to do with trusting the vision and rolling with the punches. The artists that have been involved with the collective are truly amazing people. We’ve managed to collaborate on every event, working together to make it the best it can be.
I think if there has been any struggle at all, it would be having the capital to produce the events. As a small collaborative collective, the funds typically come from the artist’s pockets. We hope to lessen the impact of this by continuing to hold events that not only benefit the artists but the collective as well.
Please tell us about Wander Forever Collective.
Wander Forever Collective is a not-for-profit organization. We are known for producing art and music events where the artists can showcase and sell their work with 100% of the profits going to the artist.
We also host workshops that we hope will spark the creativity in those that may not see themselves as a “creative”.
Overall, I’d say we are proud to have provided a safe space for over 50 artists in the past year, where they can feel comfortable and confident in their craft.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are too many people to name but I’d have to start with the three artists that have been there from day 1. Amber Bliss, Jaclyn Gunn, and Justin Sterenbuch. Without them, I can’t say the collective would be what it is now.
In addition, I’d have to give a shout out to my family and my best friend, Brittany Christensen. They have been there for every single event, ready to get their hands dirty. Through the planning, the setup and the cleanup, they have always done it with a smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WanderForeverCollective.
com - Phone: 6616218370
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/wanderforevercollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderforevercollective/
Image Credit:
Brian Fallman
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