“What interested me the most about RAW was the beauty of different artistic mediums into one cohesive event and the ability to network and showcase with individuals of like-minds!” - Alexa Gold, RAW:Music (Philadelphia, PA)
“RAW wasn't biased about showing unknown artists. The fact that it was founded to help every creative outlet no matter the craft, that's what was most appealing for me.” - Amber Michelle Russell, RAW:Artist (Madison, WI)
“I am just extremely grateful for the opportunity RAW gave me. The showcase pushed my limits in areas I needed -- areas that doing the everyday craft shows wouldn't touch (i.e. interview, photographs, promotion). I cannot wait to attend another showcase. THANK YOU!” – Alysha Bushney, RAW:Fashion Designer (Raleigh, NC)
“RAW opened doors and opportunities that may never had happened otherwise.“ - Miss Maehym, RAW:Artist (Chicago, IL )
“I did not know what to expect from this event, but it was successful for me in a number of ways. I feel part of a movement - a group of people. I had my first experience really being affected by art. I've never been to an event with the opportunity to talk to the artists about their work and to connect with the ideas.” – Creek Van Houten, Compass Rose Design (San Francisco, CA)
“Creating an event where artists felt like they were valued. Reaching out to the artists is the biggest compliment to those just starting out. I'm participating in the City of Costa Mesa Cultural Arts Committee's Artists Showcase on the April 21st, 2012 and two more vendor type artist markets. You opened the door and I'm honored to add your organization as the first of many on my list of experiences!” - Kathi Nelson , RAW:Artist (Orange County, CA)
“The platform you guys presented for underground artists to shine [is] not just one art, but several. It allowed me to connect and collaborate with other artists I might not have, had it not been for RAW.” – Michael Burton (M.I.C), RAW:Musician (Houston, TX)
"RAW was an amazing experience. To be among such brilliant artist was enlightening, motivating and so exciting. I see bigger and better things for RAW and [am] very grateful to be a part of it all." - Tania Stanton, RAW:Artist (Washington, DC)
“Heidi Luerra, Founder and Executive Director of RAW contacted LYZ design mid-April because an opportunity for commission[ed art] had come across her desk. The request was for a painting involving the skyline of Pittsburgh. Heidi contacted LYZ design after seeing the skyline paintings on display at the RAW showcase. Heidi put me in contact with the client and after a little collaborating, the concept for the painting was finalized. The client was impressed with my previous work so he entrusted me to bring his idea to life. Since the painting was a gift, I had to wait a few days to hear how the final recipient liked it. I got a text that said 'I had it waiting in her apartment to surprise her! She f**king loved it … she cried!' And I knew it was a job well done.” - Elizabeth Grube, LYZ Design, RAW:Artist (Los Angeles, CA)
“RAW's mission is what struck us ... Giving artists a platform through a well-established art organization is so amazing.” - WJLM Creations, RAW:Artist (Cleveland, OH)
“This was my 1st RAW event, and I had an an awesome time. I even sold a few pieces of my my work. One of the pieces that I sold was to the Mayor of Portland, Sam Adams!" - Trent Stocking, Rhythmic Metal (Portland, OR)
“I've taken this experience to heart and feel that I've grown as a photographer by having participated. I'm not the best, or even a pro, but I have more confidence to say I will be. And that's thanks to RAW.” - Betsy Cherry, RAW:Photographer (Prior Lake, MN)
“To be a part of the RAW family is not only an honor to say the least, it is an amazing opportunity to showcase the passion of ones craft to a wide community of artists. It's a footstep in networking with other artists that are also passionate in what they do.” – Jonathan Blackburn, RAW:Artist (Ventura, CA)
“I had a wonderful time at the first RAW event in Boise. I met lots of new people and sold four works of art!” - Pam Mcknight, RAW:Artist (Boise, ID)
"What is really cool is that at the STIMULUS event in March, there happened to be a celebrity booking agent there who is the director of a huge celebrity fashion show in Beverly Hills in July for the most sought after designer coming out of FIDM (Pentard Couture). He recruited me to showcase my pieces at this show and [an]other show. It is a huge opportunity and I thank you guys for contacting me and believing in my art.” - Kenton Michael, RAW:Fashion Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
“I had great success [with my RAW Showcase] and met tons of people. I sold about
40-50 pieces of jewelry! I am more than pleased with the outcome and the
ability to network with so many, it was super.” - Cheryl Watson, Sweetie 2 Sweetie, RAW:Accessories Designer (San Antonio, TX)
“The RAW event was an experience I will never forget. I made a lot of good contacts, gained some great friends in the art community, and had a blast all while having the opportunity of showing my work to a new audience, and I can't wait to do another RAW event!” - Danny Peralta, RAW:Artist (San Diego, CA)
