Local Catholic artist chosen as finalist for Paseo micro-granting program

Oklahoma City-based Catholic and cartoonist Jillian Chapman has been selected as one of five finalists for the Paseo Arts Association annual micro-granting program: Funding Emerging Artists with Sustainable Tactics (FEAST). Each year, FEAST gives hopeful artists the opportunity to garner the financial support of the community to fund their vision. 

Chapman will be included alongside musicians and fine artists at this year’s event. She hopes to spread awareness about the program and bolster support for the arts in Oklahoma City.

If awarded the grant, Chapman plans to use the money to fund the creation of the first 20 pages of her graphic novel, “Star Ceiling,” a memoir for middle-grade readers. The memoir illustrates her experience as an 11-year-old girl growing up in a historic Texas suburb with her mother, father and two sisters. The story is told through snapshots of childhood games, adventures and milestones and culminates in the experience of her father’s death from cancer and its impact on their family life.

The FEAST grant is funded by tickets sold for the event. Attendees of the dinner will have the opportunity to vote for which proposal will receive the grant after hearing presentations from each of the finalists. The proceeds from the event are awarded to the artist with the most votes as a grant to aid in the completion of their project proposal.

Chapman sees the importance of the inclusion of Catholic voices in mainstream publishing. She hopes the creation of this graphic novel will be the start of a cartooning career that will bring wholesome stories to the shelves of all families, no matter their faith background. She recognizes the growing struggle of parents to find books for their children that reflect a Christian worldview while telling a great story, and she dreams of creating books that meet that need. 

The dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 at 19 NW 6 St., Oklahoma City. For more information and to buy tickets, go to https://thepaseo.wufoo.com/forms/m15td7s70hk046u/.