Artist: Jeffery Hollie

Pronouns: he/him/his

Art Submission(s): Videos, “Jammin’ with a group by P Terry’s”, “Lip Syncing in a Walmart Parking Lot” (no longer available); Photo Collage and article, “My New Bicycle is My Best Ever, Birthday Gift!”

Check out more from this Artist: Youtube: Jeffery Hollie

* * *

Jeffery Hollie really emphasizes the value of freedom in his life and processes, and takes care to find joy in the world around him, as well as sharing that vibrance with others.

We are pleased to be spotlighting Mr. Hollie’s creations in this year’s showcase through digital presentation, and an interview about his creative processes, experience, and thoughts on creation and culture.

Visit Jeffery Hollie’s YouTube page to check out his available work there

Photos of Creative Works

The photo, adding to the shirt from another short, too small, is to keep the orange, flowered shirt, from coming out my pants on certain parts. That gray cloth is working. The shirt is staying in my shorts better. I think that’s creative. That was done 9-19-20.

The photo of me by my new bike, has this theme. I like dressing colorful. Additionally, friends just bought this new bike for me as a birthday gift. I was putting the basket on my old bike on it. That was temporary till I acquired a red basket, that contrast the dark blue bicycle better.

My New Bicycle Is My Best Ever, Birthday Gift!

Today, 9-13-20, at Lil Doddy’s, my friend Carmen, treated me to lunch. I deemed it, a pre-birthday gift meal. Additionally, she gave to me a birthday card that she made. I thanked her for it, and for the hard work she put into it. Thanks for the meal too, Carmen. I chose a burger, as often before. 

THE TOP ROW, FAR LEFT PHOTO, is the outside of the card. COOL! MY NEW BIKE IS SHOWN! That’s created. I told her, “You know how to do this, because you’re a former school teacher.” THE MIDDLE PICTURE is the inside of the card. The back is solid orange. THE FAR RIGHT PHOTO ON THE TOP ROW, IS A PICTURE BOOK THAT OPENS, contained in the pouch area, dotted part shown. This is an ingenious card! Photos of her friends, and mine, are inside of that picture book.

THE FIRST THREE PICTURES ON THE SECOND ROW, is some of the friends of Carmen and myself, she’s introduced me to, inside that flip open Picture Book. I only chose three pictures in this photo collage. I respected one person’s privacy. Carmen’s husband, Murray, is shown, with her. She told me these friends all partook in helping with the cost of the new bicycle! Wow! I’ve heartedly THANKED THEM ALL! Initially, I was going to pay a part of the price, but some of these friends wanted to make sure I didn’t pay anything. That was nice of them!

THE LAST TWO PHOTOS TO THE RIGHT, ON THE SECOND ROW, is a card from my apartment, Garden Terrace. They yearly acknowledge the birthdays of residents. And in my apartment, in this vein of thought, I told Carmen her card reminded me of a thank you card I made for my apartment when they installed free WiFi for us (2014). THAT CARD IS SHOWN IN THE FAR LEFT PICTURE, BOTTOM ROW. And just like former staff, Sofia, kept my card in her office, so I’ll keep, and treasure Carmen’s work of labor, for my BIRTHDAY!

IN THE THIRD ROW, more photos of my new bike are shown. The PHOTO OF THE RIGHT GEAR SHOWN, depicts how I’m enthused that the gears numbers are directly facing me. On other bikes, I don’t recall them being exactly that way, though on some bikes, they may have been. 

The Second Picture, Third Row, is the OVERPASSES ON HYWY 290, BY WALMART IN SUNSET VALLEY. I took that photo to go with others, for another photo collage about Austin’s overpasses. Carmen told me, going left on W WILLIAM Cannon, down Mopac, will get me to that Walmart. I was in search of short ink pens for shirt pockets that aren’t deep enough for regular size pens. They didn’t have any. But they had popcorn I ran out. Since part of the Mopac service road didn’t have sidewalks, in the car lane by the sidewalk, I stayed. Cars went by me in the two other car lanes, as I rode my bike, and looked over my shoulder. I soon came to trails and sidewalk. I didn’t go back that way to William Cannon, when someone told me the other direction, I asked of, goes to William Cannon. I’ve been to the end of Brodie, but just not all around that Walmart. I cut off an ink pen, shortening it that way, and searching for something for my old bike receipt in the apartment, I found a short pen. Cool! I’ll just put the three possible years I bought that bike in these comments.

The PHOTO OF THE BIKE PUMP conveys this: I was seeing too much give (about halfway bent down) of the back tire. Therefore, I put more air in the tube. But I didn’t want to exceed where I’d gone, to not burst the tube. However, the weight on the bikes’s back tire, demanded more air. THE FAR RIGHT PICTURE ON THE THIRD ROW, has this theme, all of a sudden, my new bike is leaning forward too much, on bus bike racks, even more than the last bike. I thought, “Maybe that’s so, because the wheels on this new bike are more slender, and not touching the guard good enough.” But many of the bike rails on the old buses are bent forward. Anyway, whatever the reason, I’m hooking a bungee cord from my bike basket to the bus guard, that comes over the bikes’s front wheel. Before I commenced this, I did it with a string, initially. But prior to not doing this, on bus rides, though the bike was rocking, leaning and moving, thankfully, it didn’t fall off. With the 801 Rapid bus, there’s a different bike rack setup, where a hook comes over the front tire. I’ll put the hook through a string, hanging from my bike basket, SINCE THE RAILS ON MY BASKET PREVENT THE HOOK FROM MOVING FAR ENOUGH OVER THE TIRE. THEREFORE, THE HOOK SLIDES BACK FROM TIRE PROTECTION. THEN I THOUGHT OF PUTTING A CIRCLE IN STRING FORM ON THE BASKET FOR THE BUS BIKE RACK HOOK, TO GO THROUGH, AS WELL OVER THE TIRE. MY STRING HALTS THE SLIDING BACK OF THE HOOK. I PERCEIVE WHEN I BOARD THAT BUS, THAT WILL WORK FINE on this new bike. As I told someone, “I’m the black MacGyver!” And someone told me, “… You’re resourceful.” And I’ve also said, “I use a lot of things for what they’re not made for.” An example: a picture frame, I use as a partition between my backpack and lip sync signs, to keep my backpack from bending them, in my back bike basket, as I bike about.

UPDATE: I rode on purpose, the 801 bus today, 9-14-20, and my circle was not big enough for the hook to reach my circled string. I got off downtown and made the circle larger, and the hook on the next 801 bus rack, back south, fit perfectly through my extended loop, and around the tire. My bike is also, more stable on the 801 bus bike rack.

The SECOND PHOTO, FROM LEFT, ON THE BOTTOM ROW, has this thought, Bob, who at Bike Farm, worked on my new bike, noticed how, when I turned the front wheel, and turned it back again, a corner of the basket scratched up the bikes’s body. He quickly devised taping up the area on the basket. I’ve monitored the area, and put more tape, as I needed. I don’t want to scratch up a brand new bike.

THE MIDDLE PICTURE ON THE BOTTOM ROW, CONTRAST how better looking is my new red basket from my old black one. Since my bike seat, on my former bike, wouldn’t tilt back far enough, BECAUSE THAT BLACK BASKET WAS IN THE WAY, I asked our maintenance guy to cut a section out of it. That made my day! I could move the seat backwards. You see, I don’t like sliding off bike seats, and constantly scooting back on them, fully. On this new bike, when the seat was level, I asked a staff at Bike Farm to adjust it backward. And I just got half of the screw left, in this type of bike seat post, but the seat is holding firm. For awhile, with the former bike, with this top of seat post, I was trying to get the appropriate screws, but longer. I couldn’t find them in a few places I went. It’s the type of seat post, where you can run out room, as you have to turn screws opposite ways, to adjust the seat. As long as I’m sitting firm, with half of a screw in one hole left, no worries, though I didn’t want that type of seat post. It’s working though. And I donated to Bike Farm a kickstand, that has two legs, where my old bike fell, on right or left positioning of the front of the bike. As I told someone, “It’s not made to take the weight I have on bikes.” Part of my happiness for the new bike led me not to try to sell them the kickstand, as I aspired. I had my basically new seat transferred from my old bike to the new one. And I’m glad Bob put the same kind of kickstand on this new bike, I had on the former bike, but a new one. Because, as I told Carmen, the other one, that is, part of it, kept moving out of place, and that bike kept trying to fall, and wouldn’t stay up, unless I kept readjusting that kickstand. That probably would have occurred on this new bike, if he’d used it. However, I asked him to cut an inch off the new kickstand, since it was falling on level ground. It was too high. That cutting off an inch, gave the bike the perfect tilt downward, to not fall, when the handlebars are turned to the right, when the kickstand is down. Additionally, a good thing about the bike basket rack, it’s long enough to not prevent the seat from being adjusted back. Moreover, before throwing it away, I took a picture of the old basket, that a part was cut out, and that part too, I took a picture, to commemorate how I appreciated that from that guy. 

The FOURTH PICTURE TOWARD RIGHT, ON LAST ROW, show me at Bike Farm, transferring my former black basket to my new bike, before I acquired the red crate. Buy the way, in the Re-Store, the only crate I could find, was the red one, which had in it many items for sale. I took it to the cashier and said, “I don’t want to buy all this. I need only this crate….” He told me to wait, and came back with a black crate. I told him, “I don’t want a black crate.” I assumed wrongly. But when he reached me, he poured the items from the red crate into the black one, and gave the red one to me. I asked, “What’s the price?” He said nothing, and I can have it. I was enthralled!!! I thanked him. You see, I wanted different contrasting colors on this new bike. My carry bag, on a clamp, is bending the red crate, thus I’ll think of something. 

THE FAR RIGHT PHOTO ON THE LAST ROW, portray this message, after Carmen’s lunch with me, as I was getting ready to leave Lil Doddy’s, a staff offered me some food, I perceive, someone ordered and left or didn’t want. I thanked her. I’ll consider that, part of birthday blessings. I later saw it was three burgers. Upon later eating one of the burgers, I first removed the bacon, since pork gives me a headache. 

My new bicycle, from a distance, may look similar to my old one, since I had my high handlebars transferred over, baskets and my horn holders (made from a sweatshirt arms) hang from the front basket), but it’s obvious it’s a new bike. And I asked Carmen if the two pouches hanging on both sides of the front basket, make it ugly. She said no. I added they house my prop sax and horn, to be assessable for when those  music parts come up in songs, to mimic the blowing, on the spot, even at intersections, waiting on green lights, as often I do.

My last bicycle was a GT, I bought 2012, 2013, or 2014, from Top Cash Pawn that was on South First & W William Cannon, but they moved to Congress. The new bike is a FUJI, that these great friends got me from Bike Farm, on Burnet Road, I chose to go, taken in Carmen’s car. It was bought 9-4-20, and picked up the next day by me. At first, I chose another bike store, but I’m glad I switched to Bike Farm. One staff, that jotted my orders, took photos of my new bike. I assume he’ll put some of them on their site? Cool! I thanked Carmen for initiating and orchestrating this early birthday gift, when I was determined to patch up the old bike or transfer my parts on a used GT bike I foraged for. I’ve been acquainted with my good friend Carmen and her nice family since about 2014 or 2015, or so. Additionally, she’s introduced me to some of her great friends!

When lately, the calf on my right leg, became sore, I mused how it could be from this new bike, being too hard to peddle. But on second thought, as I’ve rode it, a few days after that thought, this new bike is peddling as a bike typically suppose to peddle. Relative to the gears, as I move to easier, it’s more easier to peddle, and the same is true, in harder gears, for downhill. It’s just that I want it to peddle too easy, as when I began riding bicycles again, after a long prison stay. THANK GOD I’M FREE, SINCE 3-20-2008, after 32 years incarcerated!!! My calf is better, and that slight pain could have been from another source, though I don’t recall bumping into anything.

I AM REALLY ENJOYING THIS NEW BICYCLE! AND I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK ON IT EACH DAY! THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, FOR GIVING,  TO GET IT FOR ME!

A FEW EXAMPLES OF MY THANKS AND REPLIES:

To: Renee G…

“Thanks my friend, for pitching in for my new birthday bicycle! Thanks also, for making sure I didn’t pay the fee I was going to pay! Love this bike! I think it’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever had, esp. since I was starting to have issues with my old bike. I had bike shop to transfer my handlebars.”

Her Reply, 

“Hi Jeffery. You’re so welcome. You deserve a new bike. Thanks for the great pics! We all love you “

To: Henry…

“Thanks Henry, for pitching in, to help get my new birthday gift bike!…”

His Reply,

“You’re welcome Jeffery!  Great looking bike, I know your enjoying it – glad I could be part of your Birthday! Take care & God Bless you, hope to see you soon”

I love these responses, and the others, to my thank you texts!

My 64th Birthday is 9-27-20 (if God’s willing), and I’m thankful for this early birthday gift! And Carmen, you hit the nail on the head, when you told someone my bike situation needs to be resolved, since it’s one of my primary means of transportation. I agree. My bicycle is my car, since I never learned how to drive a vehicle. I don’t think that tractor on a farm count, since no driver’s test occurred, nor was there city streets on that farm. 

I began this photo collage about 9:35 PM, 9-13-20, and proofreading, and additions, were completed 9-14-20, at 5:50 PM.

From my book, Pictures With Comments, And Poems (The Sequel).

©  2020

Jeffery B. Hollie

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

Currently, I’m unemployed…

Three fourths of my life, I’ve been incarcerated in corrections facilities. The impact is, I appreciate and value FREEDOM more.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

My lip syncing shows my creativity in music enjoyment. I feel it’s entertaining and innovative.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

John Bunyan, from the 1600s, my inspiration to be a writer.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I try to get better in lip syncing. I’ve made less signs, and enacted with gestures in their place, in public, put signs on my bicycle, no longer using city poles, etc.

“My lip syncing shows my creativity in music enjoyment. I feel it’s entertaining and innovative.”

What are you most proud of? Why?

I’m proud I’ve been able to stay out of prison since 3-10-20, twelve years, 6 months, & 11 days, to the date of 9-21-20. By the way, it’s also my brother, Ronald’s birthday. I wished him Happy Birthday on a phone call. My birthday is this coming Sunday, 9-27-20. And I’ll add, I’m proud of God letting me reach 64.

What is your dream project?

To perhaps write a classic novel. To continue lip syncing, as no other, to my my knowledge.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

I give my lip sync cards to others, which include typing in my name, Jeffery Hollie, into YouTube’s search, to see me. Along with my lip sync videos, I have other type.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

I began being created in this music hobby I’m describing, since I’ve been here, since 9-4-09. If I’d lived anywhere else since 8-4-09, as here, I feel I’d be about the same, musically. But staff here, on some events, has asked me to do my act. I enjoyed lip syncing, and I gathered, some of the crowd liked it too. Other residents sang for real, and played instruments.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

As I’ve said, my lip syncing is my type of arts/culture at the moment. I think I’m the only one in the world, lip syncing this unique way. That’s not bragging in the wrong way, but I’m glad to see in me, that it’s INNOVATIVE.

As I’ve said of it, “I did not say, I’m going to go out, and try to lip sync like nobody has done. I was just having fun! Then later, I noticed it was different. But I still lip sync as others, without props and signs, etc.'” Online I haven’t seen any but me lip syncing with music props, mimicking music props I don’t have, pointing to words (I’ve put on signs) as those words are sung, acting out other words, without signs, dancing to the way an instrument is played, dancing in a way to emphasize background singers, etc. As I’ve often said, “I try to do something with everything in a song, as I lip sync, and act it out.”

At karaoke, before I stopped going, a man seeing me a first time said, “I’ve never seen that in my whole life!” Though it wasn’t karaoke, the DJ let let me regale there. And after, James would close me out, “That’s Jeffery, with his brand of karaoke.” One regular there, who liked it, said, “That ain’t easy what you’re doing. But I said, “I feel anybody can do it.” At times I tried singing for real, and I sounded horrible to me, though some gifted singing friends told me I didn’t sound bad.

I don’t recall a trend I want to forget.

Additionally, writing, I feel is my art/culture.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Trying to enjoy life daily. It delights that I’m free from prison! My favorite songs bring joy! Riding my bicycle brings happiness. Writing books and poems rejoices me! Eating good food, and nice snacks as popcorn gladdens me!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Control anger and stay on the outside. In a card my sister, Terri, sent me, she gave me that advice, in 2013.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Do you want to buy this and that, and once a man tried to give me $100 for my Texas ID. In those cases my reply was NO. That’s more of selling and trying to pay for something.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Continue to reach for your dreams and stay out of trouble.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Anything that’s good!

Mr. Hollie takes time to appreciate the details in life as well as the creations around him. “Riding my bicycle brings happiness. Writing books and poems rejoices me!”

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

The Bible’s #1, then my #1 novel is The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. I first heard it on a play, on the Christian radio station, KHCB FM, in Houston, TX, in about 1980. Thereafter I wrote Christian friends, requesting they send it to me? I periodically repost my tribute poem of it on my Facebook page, which covers the highpoints of Christian’s journey to The Celestial City. The book’s theme is a journey from this world, to Heaven. I like a lot of sports’ pieces of writings. If I had to choose a favorite song, it’ll be Lady You Are, by One Way. I could have chose another song, but it first came to mind for this query. I’ll go with Thriller by Michael Jackson, as my favorite LP. Terminator 2, I’ll choose as a favorite movie, but I can put The Pilgrim’s Pross DVD movie a tie with it, and it’s play (if there’s one), is my favorite. I don’t have a favorite piece of artwork. Ironically, when younger, I used to draw pictures, but that faded from my life. Maybe Orange Juice is my #1 drink, and Fried Chicken my #1 meat. Dogs I like best, though I don’t own a pet.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Basically, GO, since my bladder is overworked. Tried pills, from urologists, but no more, since they all give headaches. Prostate pills don’t work. Scared to try the Botox bladder shot, because of side effects I’ve read. For now, I go frequent and if I can’t make it to a Men’s Room, I go in the diaper, a friend told me of. I’m not ashamed to share this that is common in older males. That’s an extension of what I first do when I awake, and at times, several times, prior. Hopefully, one day this is fixed. Next, I thank God for another day, then breakfast, etc.

I feel it’s important. Each person has gifts, etc., that can help, entertain, etc., others.

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

Sleep. I need to sleep better. I’m getting by on 3 or 4 hours and naps each day, maybe less or more. But I’m grateful for that. I like to get a GED one day.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?I feel it’s important. Each person has gifts, etc., that can help, entertain, etc., others.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

They need to figure out what to do better.

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Looking at myself dance in the mirror, to a song tonight, 9-21-20.

What are you really into right now?

I’m into music, sports.

Looking at myself dance in the mirror, to a song tonight, 9-21-20.

I’m trying to take it one day at a time.

One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:

What they feel is best for them. Everyone is different.

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

I assume, entertainers, writers, painters, and anyone good in other professions.

What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?

The dictionary says of culture, “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” That’s the first time I looked that word up. So, I surmise a culture-bearer is someone with a worthy accomplishment or trait, skill, that’s helpful to others. And I just looked culture-bearer up, and it is someone who does more good than harm. …

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

I sense you covered enough questions, adequately. I can’t think of any to add. Maybe the artists, etc., could befriend likeminded people for support, advice, etc.

Anything else?

The interview queries provoked me to seriously think for the best possible answer.

Artist: Jesse McCrum

Pronouns: he/him/his

Art Submission(s): Digital Poster via Illustrator and DSL camera, “Pandemic Transformed”

Check Out More from this Artist: Instagram: @jessemccrum

* * *

Jesse is an artist, academic, and a veteran whose experiences have impacted his vision, training, and experience as an artist.

We are glad to be spotlighting Jesse’s creations in this year’s showcase through digital presentation, and an interview about his journey of creativity, experiences, and thoughts.

Pandemic Transformed

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

I create post for facebook using Adobe Illustrator.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

To inspire and support community.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

Tarkovsky the Russian filmmaker is my biggest influence. I’m inspired by the remarkable formation of insight through meaningful effort.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I am grateful that I have access to tools and education.

“I’m inspired by the remarkable formation of insight through meaningful effort.”

What are you most proud of? Why?

I am most proud of right here and right now because that’s all we’ve got.

What is your dream project?

A long term series of work -visual and creative theater work.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

I share my work with communities, friends, and family. My work appears on pinterest, facebook, youtube, and around town. In the past my work has appeared in film and video as well.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

Yes! I love foundation communities. It has provided the stability I need to grow.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

I love hand drawn images of odd shaped beings. I wish expensive art would disappear it seems so irrelevant

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Flowers in a vase.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

If you want to go fast go alone; if you want to go far go with someone else.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Take people at face value.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Life is partly biological and partly environmental and you can improve your environment. Biology isn’t so easy, but there are drugs that can help some people.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Cheap champagne and hugs.

One of the best pieces of advice Jesse’s been given? “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go with someone else.”

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

Cyberspace.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Ride my bike every other day in the morning and hug my pillow at night.

“Culture is a kind of organism that requires cultivation and responsibility.”

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

Justice.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

They are snowflake globes. Get into them it’s sacred, and goes way back in time.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

An audience.

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

The news made me go “oh dear”.

What are you really into right now?

Beans, rice, and lentils.

One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:

Good universities.

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

To express oneself, to give visualization to one’s thoughts is sacred.

What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?

Culture is a kind of organism that requires cultivation and responsibility.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

“How do you feel about artists in other countries? Europe, Asia, Latin America? etc.”

Anything else?

We are all in this together.

Jesse was one of three artists to participate in our COVID-19 PSA Poster Series.

You can see the posters at the University of Florida Center for Arts & Medicine media resource library here.

If you want to learn more about the project, you can read more here.

Artist: Cynthia Pecore

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Art Submission(s): Poems – “Kitty Slippers”, “The Occupant”, “Viet-Nam Memorial”, “Autumn Interlude”

* * *

Cynthia received her BA in Theater, leaning towards set design more than anything, and gained a lot of experience during that time in school. “I owe everything, as far as the theater goes, to Mr. Frick, our counselor.” She says during the interview for the showcase. “I was painfully shy– I called it fatally shy– because I was just no communication whatsoever. He suggested I take theater and speech and that it would help bring me out of my shell… and he was right! I fell in love with theater and everything followed from there.”

We are excited to be spotlighting Cynthia’s talents and experience in this year’s showcase through digital presentation of her poetry, and an interview about her creative processes, and thoughts on culture and art.

Autumn Interlude, The Occupant, Viet-Nam Memorial, Kitty Slippers

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

I really have to be inspired to work. I was looking, so to speak, for something to express about COVID and everything anyway, because, let’s face it. It’s something that hasn’t happened before. I saw something about the Vietnam memorial and that inspired me to write something of my own. I write whatever comes to me, sometimes they come in stanzas, sometimes it’s only a sentence or part of a sentence. I”ll be writing that down and rewriting as I go. Sometimes I’m still rewriting by the time I put it down.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

Like one of my friends said, “it’s either that, or die.”

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

Current events or just pulling something out of the ether.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

With friends, but I don’t think I can really get an honest reaction until it’s someone outside my circle.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

It hasn’t. Seriously. I do the same things all the time. I got into a routine of being able to study and what have you in college and that hasn’t changed. Now instead of studying, I write.

Cynthia often shares her creative practice with friends, but believes at times that she can get the most honest reactions from audiences outside of her circle.

What are you most proud of? Why?

I have to say the poems “Heroes” & the “Vietnam Memorial”. I think those two are some of my best. The emotions that they evoke. I always wanted to be able to tell stories.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

Yeah, it jump started it again! There are a lot of artists and musicians who live here. Being around their creative process jumpstarts my creativity.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

Everyone’s pretty much doing their own thing– it’s a lot of variety. I appreciate that, I think it’s great.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

My puppy Luke and my kitty Pumpkin.

When it comes to giving advice, Cynthia wants people to know that even if you don’t think you can do something, try it anyway.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

People who tell you not to believe in yourself really suck.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Even if you don’t think that you can do it, try.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Besides going out to eat or something… I go out to get a magnum pint of ice cream (hazelnut) or a bottle of champagne.

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

Book- anything by Richard Bach. A Bridge Across Forever is my favorite book of his. Too many songs & albums. Movie: a sci-fi movie called Star Man by Richard Carpenter. I expected it to be a horror story like everything else and it was a big surprise. Play: Camelot and Chorus Line/Monet’s water lilies. Food, champagne and shrimp. In Austin, my favorite place is the top of Mt. Bonnell, but I do like South Padre Island. Horses, favorite animal. Several favorite colors: blue, purple, teal, pink

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

I turn on the tv for company (I don’t necessarily pay attention to it); I always say a little prayer before I go out and take Luke for a walk– just touching base with God. .

Outside of her work and creation, taking care of animals and children is really important to Cynthia.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

Reflection of what’s going on in the world. They show people themselves- good and bad.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

Freedom.

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

Taking care of animals and children

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Laugh: My doggy, he’s very silly. He lays on his back in his chair with all four feet up in the air, grinning. / Cry: my mother’s passing away

For Cynthia, an artist is anyone who wants to give back to humanity. “To be creative is to produce stories.”

What are you really into right now?

Interior design games on the internet.

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

Anyone’s an artist who wants to give back to humanity. To be creative is to produce stories.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

How do YOU do it?

Anything else?

I am very proud of humanity for coming together through all this (COVID) and coming up with very creative ways to carry on.

Cynthia was one of three artists to participate in our COVID-19 PSA Poster Series.

You can see the posters at the University of Florida Center for Arts & Medicine media resource library here.

If you want to learn more about the project, you can read more here.

Artist: Scarlett Dale Woodall

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Art Submission(s): Original Writing, “She Wore a Pink Cape”

Check Out More from this Artist: Twitter: @transtomlez | ao3.org: transtomgirl (18+)

* * *

With a background in theatre, acting, and performance, Scarlett expresses her fullest self through stories and characters, bringing emotions and experiences to life.

We are pleased to share one of Scarlett’s works as a part of this year’s showcase, and to spotlight her insights and thoughts around the creative process, and what it means to be an artist.

She Wore a Pink Cape

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

Writer, novels and screenplays.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

Expressing my own intensity, love of characters. It’s often a kind of operatic realism

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

George Lucas, Lindsay Ellis, Ridley Scott

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I wanted to work with other artists, but we needed material. I started writing to provide a project to collaborate on. My style is much faster paced now. I play big notes a lot, let it be very declarative. I give my answers to the questions.

What are you most proud of? Why?

Embracing strangeness. It’s hard to do.

What is your dream project?

A film adaptation of the Evangelion anime.

“My style is much faster paced now. I play big notes a lot, let it be very declarative.”

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

Ao3, an online community. My insightful cousin.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

I have a safe environment to write in.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

I’ll always love goth, LGBT culture. I don’t like the trend of writing mono genre. I like to mix ideas.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Roleplaying games, cartoons, collaboration.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t wait for someone else’s approval. Just start creating.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Audition for everything.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Actors have to play the script, so make sure the script works before deciding to participate. Not every offer is a real opportunity.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Lots of soda.

“Don’t wait for someone else’s approval. Just start creating.”

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

Star Wars, tacos, Dr.Pepper, Dracula, Nightwish

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Grab a soda in both instances.

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

My values tend to show up in my work.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

Emotional processing, honest reflections.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

Inspiration, freedom and courage.

What it means to be creative, according to Scarlett? “Courage to express.”

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Jim Sterling, music, a compliment.

What are you really into right now?

Roleplaying games that are set in the modern world more than pure fantasy.

One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:

Black Lives Matter

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

Courage to express.

What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer

It’s ever changing and knowing that means adapting.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

What art do you watch most often?

Mood Illustrator: Gabriel Reeberg

Pronouns: he/him/his

Art Submission(s): “Clown”, oil pastel and acrylic paint on wooden board

Check out More from this Artist: Instagram: @gabrielreeberg

* * *

Gabriel started drawing when he was 18 months old, and attended art classes at CCSF. He considers his artistic experience a mix of self-taught and schooled. “I just draw what I am feeling for the most part. Looking back on past works reminds me of what was going on in my life at the time. It’s my therapy.”

We are pleased to be spotlighting Gabriel’s skill and talent in this year’s showcase through digital presentation of his painting, and an interview about his creative processes, thoughts, and advice for other creatives.

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

Illustrator of emotion. I use Crayon, Ballpoint Pen, Markers, and Gel Pens on card-stock.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

Inner.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

Music. At the moment 60s psychedelic music.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

Instagram. The world.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I am truly blessed to have worked with some amazingly talented people. My style has changed a lot over time. During hard times my work can be a bit dark but with the right music playing I can make something beautiful.

One of Gabriel’s dream projects? To design an album cover for a band he likes.

What are you most proud of? Why?

Designing a guitar pick for Jim Root of Slipknot because I’ve always wanted to make something for a musician who I admire.

What is your dream project?

To design an album cover for a band I like.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

Having a space to work in that’s truly my own has impacted my style and productivity greatly.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

Psychedelic music. Beanie babies.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Music.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

It’s all just trial and error.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Try harder to be like someone else.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Draw from the heart and soul.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Stay up all night.

“It’s all just trial and error.”

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

American gods. InAGaddaDaVida. The Dark Knight. The Tempest. Starry Night. Pizza. Austin. Cat.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Drink a glass of water. Drink a glass of water.

For creatives to thrive, Gabriel says we need inspiration, and to start helping each other out.

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

Faith.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

We should be the most important ones because we have the most important stuff to say.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

Inspiration. We’ve got to start helping each other out instead of not looking out for one another.

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Laugh -Rick and Morty

Cry-The Walking Dead

Blush-Its been a minute on that one

“Culture is vast like the mini crevices of a spider’s web. Being a culture bearer means representing your niche.”

What are you really into right now?

60s music, video games, drawing

One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:

WeenGot

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

Got a pulse? You’re in.

What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?

Culture is vast like the mini crevices of a spider’s web. Being a culture bearer means representing your niche.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

I’m not sure.

Anything else?

It doesn’t matter what you use to create what’s important is the contents of your soul.

Gabriel was one of three artists to participate in our COVID-19 PSA Poster Series.

You can see the posters at the University of Florida Center for Arts & Medicine media resource library here.

If you want to learn more about the project, you can read more here.

Artist: Alicia Beatrice

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Art Submission(s): Poem, “Self Hatred”; Isaac song, “I’m Here”

* * *

Alicia Beatrice has been a performer and artist since she was in grade school. Her passion for music, dance or movement, writing, singing, and all things creative has been a major part of her all of her life, and she’s always honored to share what she creates in its raw or refined form.

We, too, are honored and excited to be able to spotlight Alicia’s talents in this year’s showcase through digital presentation of her work, and an interview about her insights and method as a creator.

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

I use my piano, notepad, journal, and a comfortable space in my room or anywhere I’m inspired to write and sing.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

My work is a movement of love. Music is my way of loving myself and others. I believe everything I create is healing and impacts how I interact with the world and others around me. It’s my contribution to restorative justice.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

My biggest influences are artists from a variety of genres (too many to name here but here’s a few): Prince, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Beyonce, Eurythmics, Evanescence, Depeche Mode, Hillsong United Worship, Marilyn Manson, etc. I am inspired by everyday people just like me, people I meet in passing, the people I work with and serve, my family and friends, and the world at large.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I practice as often as I can. Prioritizing time to create is both an opportunity and challenge. I set a schedule and have accountability and support to keep me going. In the past this was more of a hobby, now I’m serious about my work.

Alicia’s dream project? “Completing my album and collaborating with my influences and sharing it with the world.”

What are you most proud of? Why?

I am most proud of bring my work to life after so many years and finally sharing it with you.

What is your dream project?

My dream project includes completing my album and collaborating with my influences and sharing it with the world.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

I share my creative practice with my teachers who support me.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

I am loving how the pandemic is encouraging people to wash their hands. I am not loving wearing face masks and social distancing as much.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

I am an employee of Foundation Communities that has never lived at an FC property before. Working at Foundation Communities has inspired me to create more and gain courage to share my work. The residents and staff alike are some of the most resilient and resourceful people I’ve met since moving to Austin. Hearing their stories and what moves them motivates me to be a better person.

“The residents and staff alike [at Foundation Communities] are some of the most resilient and resourceful people I’ve met since moving to Austin. Hearing their stories and what moves them motivates me to be a better person.”

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Being in community with positive people delights me and my faith/spirituality brings me joy (having peace and love in my heart).

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

Knowing that I’ve done well by others and myself

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t get in the way of God’s karma, have compassion but don’t feel sorry for people.

What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

That you’re too old to do that.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

I would tell people to focus on their own journey of healing and recovery. Don’t compare yourself to other people and where they are in life.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Reflecting and with good food and good people

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

This is a tough selection but here goes nothing…favorite song: Halo, movie: Color Purple, food: breakfast, animal: Lion.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Prayer and meditation.

Alicia believes people should “focus on their own journey of healing and recovery. Don’t compare yourself to other people and where they are in life.”

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

I believe artists and culture bearers have a responsibility to use their voice to empower other people to be better and be inspired to keep living a full life.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

Creatives need opportunities to master their work such a residencies in schools etc, resources to pay for classes and workshops, workspace/studio space to create and perform free of distractions and worry about noise complaints, and exposure to share their work with the community and world. I need all the above.

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Pics of FC spirit week, someone’s struggle, a date.

What are you really into right now?

My work, faith and family.

Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?

An artist is someone who creates work that they consider creative and makes a meaningful impact in this world.

What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?

Culture is an individual’s collective experience of life. Culture bearer is the preservation of that individual or collective experience.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

I want to know what other artists are doing in their routine that has worked for them to successful share their work with the world and be profitable.

Artist: Stephanie Bernal

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Art Submission(s): Paint and sealant on wood, “Judo Chop”

* * *

Lover of animals and creation, Stephanie Bernal hones her artistic talents by pulling from the things in life that bring her joy, such as her pets.

We are excited to share one of Stephanie’s painted woodworks as a part of this year’s showcase, and to spotlight her experience and insights as an artist.

Judo Chop

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

A wood router, paint and sealant.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

I like nautical work, I love animals and things that don’t look real life.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

Animals and my own pets, it is nice to make artwork about my pets and it is a nice memory to keep in case there is ever a time that I would have to continue in life without them.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

Challenges: having kids.

What are you most proud of? Why?

The work that I do in the world and the person that I have become.

What is your dream project?

A dream house.

“The most important thing is that you are happy.”

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

I share my art work in my office and my home and it makes for great conversations.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

Working at foundation communities* It helps to be surrounded by creative people who like to show off their art work.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Seeing my family and pets and getting comfy at the end of the day

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The most important thing is that you are happy.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Do things that bring you joy.

“It helps to be surrounded by creative people who like to show off their art work.”

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Tell my family that i love them. And pet my dogs.

Artist: Margie Gonzales

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Art Submission(s): Glass and plastic sculpture with flowers and beads, “Untitled”

* * *

In her background, Margie was a computer technician. When she let go of that job and became ill with arthritis, she began spending time working on crafts and watching Youtube. Inspired, Margie’s talents and crafts have evolved over time.

We are excited to be spotlighting Margie’s creations in this year’s showcase through digital presentation, and an interview about her life, projects, and ideas.

We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?

Normally I use things I’ve purchased at the Dollar Store; that’s where I get my glassware and the things that I need other than Hobby Lobby. Used to use the E6000 glue to make things permanent, and make a lot of use of the glue gun. Glue gun is for more temporary work, so if I want to reuse the material again to make something else, you can do that. I use acrylic paint and have my paintbrushes. For routine, I always clean the glass with alcohol to make sure it’s spotless, inside and out, to make sure everything is crystal clear. I try to use gloves if I can, so I can handle the glass more freely. From there, depending on what I’m gonna make, like a goblet with a rose inside, it depends on the goblet I get. I like tinted goblets for that. The inspiration is based on whatever I find in the store, and I go with that.

What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?

Creating is good for anyone to do because there are people that are loners, and there are people who are open minded and sociable, and it’s really good for a person who is shy to be brought out by creativity and learning and creating something. People enjoy making things; just go with what inspires you, whatever you feel like, and make it.

Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?

Youtube and watching other people do crafts and share their creations. I saw so many things that people made, and even when I tried to make what they made, they ended up different, with my own touches in there.

How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?

I got the opportunity at Bluebonnet to hold my classes, and that inspired me to help people as much as they were helping me. That’s what I want to do, get out there and get people involved, so they wouldn’t feel alone–get them to come out and mingle.

“Repurposing old materials is something I love to do. Currently I’m taking old coffee cans and other cans, and repaint them and put Disney pictures on them so kids can use them as organizers.”

What are you most proud of? Why?

Having the pleasure of watching other people enjoy making things.

What is your dream project?

I really don’t have a dream project. At my age, can’t go too far. If I had the opportunity to teach again, I’d do it. But it all depends on my health.

How do you share your creative practice and with whom?

I show my projects on facebook, and have sold a few things here and there.

Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?

It’s given me an opportunity to work in the community room, and can use the space to do my craft or to teach classes.

What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?

Repurposing old materials is something I love to do. Currently I’m taking old coffee cans and other cans, and repaint them and put Disney pictures on them so kids can use them as organizers.

What delights you? What brings you joy?

Doing my crafts; that’s the thing that keeps me happy.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Figure out what your purpose in life is, and go with it. If it’s creating things, then create. If it’s building something, build.

What piece of advice would you like to give?

Don’t just sit there and stop moving. Don’t dwell on things. Keep moving.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate?

Getting together with loved ones and being around one of my daughters

“Figure out what your purpose in life is, and go with it. If it’s creating things, then create. If it’s building something, build.”

What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?

Favorite Piece of Art is making Card Boxes for weddings or quinzcenieras. My Favorite books are Stephen King books, I’m into the gory stuff.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?

Thank God for another day on both ends. Morning and Night.

Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:

My grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family is my greatest joy.

What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?

To be an open book to be able to tell a story through their artwork.

Margie says the local art shows in Austin, or the garage sales that Austin, are things people should think to check out more, because artists and people alike can get a lot of great deals there.

What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?

The *want* to be able to do things and be creative. If you don’t have it in you that you *want* to do it, you won’t get anything done.

What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?

Last thing that made laugh: My son, he’s always making me laugh. He’s doing crazy stuff sometimes. Last thing that made me cry: Passing of my Dad. He and I were real close.

What are you really into right now?

Just moved, so I’m doing a lot of unpacking. That’s really what I’m into right now and trying to get situated so I can go on and start my crafts.

One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:

The local art shows in Austin, or the garage sales that Austin has because artists and people can get a lot of great deals there.

What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?

“Would I do another art show?” (and yes, I would), or “Why don’t you offer your spare time to teach people the things you do and give someone the opportunity to learn something?”

The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner aims to create a fair, lawful, and healthy credit environment that grows economic prosperity for all Texans. They regulate certain lenders and creditors, and provide consumers with:

Financial Education Webinars – Thursdays in December

Budgeting Basics (Dec. 3, 2020 at 10 am): During our Budgeting Basics presentation we will go over how to track and budget your monthly expenses while setting a financial goals.

Credit 101 (Dec. 10 at 10 am): How often do you check your credit report? Do you know how to dispute something if you find something wrong in credit report? Get the answers to these questions and ask your own during this webinar.

Credit & Saving for Young Adults (Dec. 17, 2020 at 10 am): This webinar goes over the basics of credit and saving. It is meant to be a beginner level presentation for teens and young adults.

Financial Education Resources

A budgeting worksheet to help get you on track.

The “4 Steps to Financial Recovery” pamphlet highlights a few helpful steps to recover financially and rebuild credit after experiencing a financial setback.

The Q&A style brochure, Building A Better Credit Report can help if you’re shopping for a car, applying for a job, looking for a home, or simply getting your financial house in order.

El folleto redactado en un estilo de preguntas y respuestas, Para Lograr un Mejor Informe de Crédito, puede ayudarlo si está por comprar un carro o por presentar una solicitud de empleo, o si está buscando una casa, o simplemente está poniendo sus finanzas en orden.

And don’t forget that our Prosper Center Financial Coaches are here to help you create your personalized budgeting and credit plans. Schedule your Zoom or phone Financial Coaching session by calling our Prosper Centers at 737-717-4000, or by visiting our web site, www.foundcom.org/financial-wellness. Financial Coaching will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4.

La mejor manera de determinar su elegibilidad para un plan médico del Mercado de Salud es inscribirse en una cita de admisión con uno de nuestros especialistas en seguros médicos. En general, para ser elegible, debe ser ciudadano de los EE. UU. O estar presente legalmente en los EE. UU., Y no debe estar encarcelado actualmente. Visite ProsperHealthCoverage.org o llame a la línea de ayuda de Cobertura Médica al (512)381-4520 para programar una cita.

La mayoría de las personas que son elegibles para comprar cobertura en el Mercado de Salud reciben ayuda financiera para pagar la cobertura. Más del 90% de las personas que Foundation Communities ayudó en 2019 recibió alguna ayuda financiera. Es posible que no sea elegible para recibir ayuda financiera si tiene otras opciones de seguro médico, como una oferta de seguro médico de su empleador.

¿Cuándo puedo registrarme?

La inscripción abierta del Mercado se extiende desde el 1 de noviembre hasta el 15 de diciembre. Esta es la única época del año en la que puede inscribirse en un plan de seguro médico del Mercado, a menos que tenga un evento que califique, como mudarse, casarse o tener un bebé.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

La situación de todos es diferente. Hay una variedad de planes y precios disponibles, según sus ingresos y el tamaño de su familia y el tipo de cobertura que elija. Más del 90% de las personas a las que ayudamos en Foundation Communities obtienen ayuda financiera para pagar la cobertura, lo que reduce el “precio de etiqueta” de las primas mensuales. No permita que las preocupaciones sobre el costo sean una barrera para explorar sus opciones. Nuestros especialistas en seguros médicos lo guiarán a través de los planes y precios. Es posible que se sorprenda de las opciones disponibles.

¿Puedo obtener ayuda financiera para pagar mi plan?

Más del 90% de las personas a las que ayudamos en Foundation Communities obtienen ayuda financiera para pagar su cobertura médica. Los subsidios, o créditos fiscales, pueden reducir el costo mensual que paga por su plan (la prima). También puede ser elegible para recibir ayuda para cubrir los copagos de las visitas al consultorio y otros gastos de atención médica. Nuestros especialistas en seguros médicos lo ayudarán a obtener la máxima ayuda financiera disponible.

¿Cubrirá mi plan alguna condición preexistente?

Todos los planes de seguro médico del Mercado cubren afecciones preexistentes, así como una variedad de otros beneficios médicos. Consulte la lista completa de beneficios de salud esenciales en Healthcare.gov.

¿Un plan de salud del Mercado cubrirá las pruebas y/o el tratamiento del coronavirus?

Los planes de salud del mercado deben cubrir las pruebas y los servicios de laboratorio, aunque la cobertura para pruebas específicas puede variar de un plan a otro. Las pruebas y el tratamiento de COVID-19 están cubiertos por los planes de salud del Mercado, al igual que cualquier otra infección viral.

Si actualmente tiene un plan de seguro médico del Mercado y su hogar se ha visto afectado por COVID-19, comuníquese con nosotros porque es posible que pueda cambiar su plan u obtener ayuda financiera adicional. Llámanos al 512-381-4520. Algunos cambios a considerar:

• Desempleo
• Horas reducidas / ingresos reducidos
• Estudiante universitario que ahora vive en casa porque el campus cerró 

¿Puedo obtener ayuda para encontrar el mejor plan para mí o mi familia?

¡Si! Los especialistas en seguros de salud de Foundation Communities han investigado todos los planes y precios para ayudarlo a encontrar el mejor plan para satisfacer sus necesidades de atención médica y su presupuesto. Puede comenzar registrándose para una cita de admisión inicial en ProsperHealthCoverage.org o llamándonos al 512-381-4520.

¿Puedo cambiar mi plan médico después de haberme registrado?

Puede cambiar su plan médico en cualquier momento entre el 1 de noviembre y el 15 de diciembre. Después de la fecha límite del 15 de diciembre, solo puede hacer cambios si tiene un evento que califique, como mudarse, casarse o tener un bebé. Nuestros especialistas en cobertura médica pueden ayudarlo a realizar cambios en su plan durante todo el año si sus circunstancias han cambiado.

Actualmente estoy desempleado. ¿Qué sucede si consigo un nuevo trabajo después de inscribirme en un plan médico?

La situación de todos es diferente. Si obtiene un nuevo trabajo, comuníquese con nosotros para que podamos ayudarlo a determinar su mejor opción. Llame a nuestra línea de ayuda de seguro médico al 512-381-4520.

Actualmente estoy desempleado y en COBRA. ¿Puedo inscribirme en un plan diferente a través del Mercado de Salud?

¡Si! La inscripción abierta es la única época del año en la que puede cambiar de COBRA a otro plan, a menos que tenga un evento que califique, como mudarse, casarse o tener un bebé. Recomendamos encarecidamente a todos los usuarios de COBRA que exploren sus opciones. Los planes de salud del mercado pueden ser más económicos y es posible que usted califique para recibir ayuda financiera para pagar la cobertura. Puede comenzar registrándose para una cita de admisión inicial en ProsperHealthCoverage.org o llamándonos al 512-381-4520.

Perdí mi trabajo a causa del COVID-19. ¿Cuentan mis pagos por desempleo para determinar cualquier ayuda financiera que pueda recibir para pagar mi plan?

Si. Deberá informar su compensación por desempleo esperada cuando solicite cobertura médica a través del Mercado de Salud. Cuando solicite un plan médico del Mercado de Salud, un especialista en cobertura médica lo ayudará a calcular sus ingresos para 2021 para determinar para qué ayuda financiera califica.

¿Qué pasa si no sé cuáles serán mis ingresos el próximo año? ¿Todavía puedo inscribirme en un plan de salud?

¡Si! Haga una cita de admision con uno de nuestros especialistas en seguros médicos. Le ayudarán a estimar sus ingresos para 2021 y encontrar la mejor opción de plan para satisfacer sus necesidades de atención médica y su presupuesto. Regístrese en ProsperHealthCoverage.org o llame al 512-381-4520.

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un plan de salud Bronce, Plata u Oro?

Los diferentes niveles determinan cómo usted y su seguro médico dividen los costos de su atención médica. La calidad y el tipo de atención no se ven afectados. Por ejemplo, un plan de nivel Oro puede tener un costo mensual más alto (la prima), pero pagará un porcentaje menor de los costos cuando necesite atención. Un plan de nivel Bronce puede tener primas mensuales menos costosas, pero pagará más cuando necesite atención. Nuestros especialistas en cobertura médica pueden ayudarlo a determinar qué tipo de plan es mejor para sus necesidades de atención médica y su presupuesto.

¿Cómo puedo saber si mi médico está en el plan que elegí o si mis medicamentos están cubiertos?

Cada año, investigamos todos los planes y precios para poder ayudarlo a encontrar el mejor plan para satisfacer sus necesidades de atención médica y su presupuesto. Haga una lista de sus médicos y medicamentos antes de su cita con un especialista en seguros médicos. Revisarán los planes para asegurarse de que tengan la cobertura que necesita. Regístrese para una cita de admisión para comenzar en ProsperHealthCoverage.org o llame al 512-381-4520.

¿Me pueden cobrar más por cualquier motivo, como mi edad o porque soy mujer?

Los planes de salud del mercado no pueden cobrarle más por ser mujer, por estar embarazada o por tener condiciones preexistentes. Se le puede cobrar hasta un 50% más si usa tabaco. Las primas pueden aumentar a medida que envejece.

¿Cómo solicito ayuda financiera para pagar mi plan de salud?

Cuando se inscribe en un plan médico del Mercado de Salud, proporcionará información sobre el tamaño y los ingresos de su hogar. Esto ayudará a determinar cuánta ayuda financiera recibirá. Nuestros especialistas en seguros de salud lo guiarán a través del proceso de inscripción para asegurarse de que califique para la máxima ayuda financiera para pagar la cobertura.

¿Mi crédito fiscal de $1200 de principios de este año cuenta como ingreso para determinar cualquier ayuda financiera que pueda obtener para pagar mi plan?

No. No es necesario que incluya el pago de estímulo/crédito fiscal en los ingresos que declara en su solicitud de Marketplace. Estos pagos no afectan su elegibilidad para recibir ayuda financiera para pagar la cobertura de atención médica a través del Mercado. 

¿Cómo afectará mi estado migratorio mi capacidad para inscribirme en un plan médico del Mercado de Salud u obtener ayuda financiera para pagarlo?

Los inmigrantes que se encuentran legalmente presentes en los EE. UU. Pueden comprar un seguro médico en el Mercado de Salud. Nuestros especialistas en cobertura médica tienen experiencia en ayudar a inmigrantes a inscribirse en un seguro médico y enviar información para verificar su estado, si es necesario. Solo las personas que solicitan cobertura médica deben proporcionar información sobre su estado migratorio. Los miembros indocumentados del hogar que no son elegibles para los planes del Mercado de Salud no necesitan proporcionar ninguna información.

¿La ayuda financiera para pagar los planes médicos del Mercado de Salud cuenta como carga pública?

Recibir ayuda financiera para el seguro médico del Mercado de Salud no cuenta para la determinación de una carga pública para nadie. No tenga miedo de asegurarse usted y los miembros de su familia elegibles. Si usted es un residente permanente legal o un titular de una tarjeta verde, no se le aplica nada sobre la carga pública. Si tiene un estatus humanitario (por ejemplo, si es un asilado o refugiado), no se le aplica nada sobre carga pública.

El seguro del mercado y la asistencia financiera no afectan su capacidad para convertirse en residente o ciudadano. ¡Pero pueden ayudarlo a usted y a su familia a mantenerse saludables! Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud sobre la carga pública relacionada con los planes médicos del Mercado de Salud, llámenos al 512-381-4520. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudar!