RAW: natural born artists is a nationwide independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. Their mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. RAW artists come from all disciplines and genres including independent film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, hairstylists, makeup artists and more.
The organization focuses on promoting artists both online and at live monthly events held in 54 cities across the United States and Australia. Every year RAW also hosts a national competition that engages their entire community and the nation at large. The competition runs from October-December and consists of an online vote, a RAW Director’s score, local semi-finals showcase with local judges and an attendee vote and a final national judges score to determine the winner.
On Thursday, November 15th, Baltimore’s RAWards Semi-Finals will take place at Luckies Tavern, where you will be able to experience the finalists work, mingle with the artists, and contribute your vote. Many of the artists who have graced the pages of What Weekly are in the running for Baltimore’s RAW Artist of The Year, including Julie Bent, Melissa Moore of Nikkuu Designs, Shodekeh, Gilded Lily Burlesque, among others. (See full list below.)
There are nine categories total: Film, Fashion, Music, Art, Performing Art, Hair, Makeup, Accessories and Photography. One artist among the final group will be deemed the artist of the year. Your votes will be added into the votes from a local panel of judges will also contribute their scores, and a winner will be selected from each of the categories. Additionally, one winner from every city in every category goes on to be judged by the RAW panel of industry professionals in each field. The scores are based on criteria in skill, creativity, wow factor and professionalism.
The winners of the national awards will be announced online in December, and honored with their awards at the annual RAWards Show in Hollywood, CA in January. The winners also receive big career-boosting prizes like distribution, store placement, studio time, gallery placement and consultations with industry executives and professionals.
Baltimore RAWards Hostess Lauren White
RAW began in 2003, when Heidi Luerra, a self-proclaimed small-town girl, graduated high school and moved to the big city of Los Angeles. Her only wish was to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a fashion designer. Not wasting any time, she started her own clothing line. She soon realized that she was just one small fish in a very big pond. She sold her pieces at swapmeets on the weekends while going to school full-time, working part-time and interning in the fashion district.
After a while she thought … “there’s got to be a better way to get my work out there.”
Surrounded by new friends and talented people in art, music, performance and film that were facing the same plight — she decided to take matters into her own hands.
In 2005, Luerra threw her first multi-faceted showcase in Los Angeles. After much interest from the over 750 attendees that came to the event, she found her calling — to create a platform for the many people who are talented, yet go unnoticed.
In 2009, equipped with a mission of bringing tools and resources to artists who were fighting the good fight on their own, RAW was born. After the first RAW event, a local web developer, Matthew Klahorst approached Heidi about combining these art events with an online showcase for artists. From this collaboration came the next evolution of RAW — promoting artists both online and offline.
In 2011, they decided to take the concept beyond Southern California. RAW now hosts monthly showcases that spotlight indie talent in film, fashion, music, art, hair and makeup artistry, performing art and photography in 54 cities across the U.S. and counting. RAW is scheduled to launch in China and Europe in 2013.
Image from RAW Baltimore’s September ‘Ensemble” Show, featuring Melissa Moore – Photo by Sarah Thrower
Every month, in each of their cities, the RAW Directors hand-pick and spotlight local artistic talent. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form “an amazing one-night circus of creativity.” The RAW season runs from February-October, with semi-finals taking place across the country in November.
Aside from the opportunities to showcase artist live, a large component of the organization is its website, www.RAWartists.org, which is designed to showcase the RAW artists online. RAWartists.org hosts a plethora of online profiles — exclusive to hand-picked RAW artists. RAWartists.org is open to the public to view, however, the site profiles and perks are reserved for only selected RAW artists. RAW artists can connect with other RAW artists, post videos and music, promote upcoming projects, and track their success. RAW also hosts what they call the “RAWk Wall,” where art gets down to business. This portion of the site consists of exclusive art-to-business opportunities for our RAW artists to partake in.
Not just with their event on Thursday Night, but with all of their endeavors, RAW seems to be quickly becoming a force in the both the virtual and real world. Providing resources, opportunities, and platforms to grow as both artists and business people, RAW seeks to connect the independent artist to colleagues, fans, and the diverse marketplace which makes up the weird and wonderful world of art.
Throughout the year, the RAW Showcase is an opportunity to witness the diverse artworks being made in our city. Tonight, be sure not to miss the Baltimore Semi-Finals show at Luckie’s Tavern! The event runs from 7PM – Midnight. Tickets are $15 each if purchased in advance, or $20 at the door. The event is 21+, and fashionable cocktail attire suggested. Advanced tickets can be purchased here: http://www.rawartists.org/baltimore/rawards2012
2012 Baltimore RAWards Semi-finalists:
