Rivkah Walton is available to create unique full-round or relief sculptures to honor or memorialize special people, animal companions, or events. Commissions range in size from hand-held medallions to life-sized or larger. She can work from either life or photographs, or a combination of the two, and the final sculpture can be cast in a variety of media - plaster, resins, or bronze. She can also arrange for the piece to be reproduced in every detail by a master stone carver.

A commission is a collaboration between the patron and the artist that begins with an exchange of ideas. In most cases, the sculptor creates preliminary drawings and/or maquettes (models). Once the design is approved and a deposit made by the patron, the artist creates the full-sized work. The patron has the opportunity to approve the work or request changes before the piece is cast. A second payment is made before casting, and a final one upon receipt of the final piece.

Each commissioned piece is unique, and is designed and executed consonant with the patron's wishes and the final use and placement. Please contact Rivkah Walton to discuss the project you have in mind.

You are invited to take part in an exciting new social experiment in the arts.

Have you ever stood before a painting or sculpture that moved you deeply and wished you could be a patron of the arts? Have you ever heard an artist’s vision and struggle for time and resources, and thought, “What you need is a patron!” – knowing how unlikely the prospect is?

Well, it may now be possible – through the DeMedici Collective.

Few people could guide and support several years of an artist’s study and creative work on their own – but approximately 40 people, each contributing small amounts, can do so. The DeMedici Collective is a group of such people who, together, become
the patron of an art student or emerging artist. They provide a community arts fellowship for a set period of time to allow the artist to acquire skills and produce work in a concerted way. You can think of the investment as venture capital where the return is not so much in financial interest but social change and, of course…art!

Rivkah Walton created this this is social experiment, called the first Collective into being in support of her work, and is publicizing it as a model to support other artists as well. A bit tongue in cheek, the Collective is named after Lorenzo DeMedici
of Renaissance Florence, who, as Michelangelo’s supporter, was possibly the most important art patron in Western history.


Why is this Collective necessary?

Sadly, only a minute portion of the US national budget supports the arts – and most of that money goes to established artists. The same is true of foundation support.

In theater and music, there are ways to make regular small contributions that support performing artists – through concert or performance tickets or season subscriptions, you become part of an ad hoc collective that supports the musicians or actors. However, there is no equivalent way of supporting visual artists with regular, modest contributions.

Many promising artists never get traction because their time and energy is spent just keeping life and limb together. How many paintings are not created, how many sculptures are never made because the next Michelangelo is waiting tables? It is a profound loss for the community – but a loss that goes largely unrecognized.


What does the Fellowship support?

The DeMedici Collective Fellowship provides the essential support that permits the up-and-coming artist to spend three years in concerted work without distraction. It provides for the direct costs of study and artwork, such as tuition, tools, supplies, casting/framing, and studio rental, as well as some modest living expenses, if necessary.


What can DeMedici patrons expect in return?

The most important benefit of being a member of this Collective is knowing that one is part of a new social experiment in supporting the visual arts. Patrons also have a deep sense of satisfaction when they see the art that has been produced and know that they were part of making it possible.

The DeMedici Fellow also thanks patrons in several more tangible ways:

- Each year, the artist produces a signed limited edition small sculpture or print as a thank-you gift for the patrons, regardless their level of gift. These are the kind of pieces you would want to display in your home or give as a gift. They are not for sale – so that only DeMedici Collective patrons will receive them. (Rivkah Walton's portrait of the biblical Ruth is the first-year gift to her DeMedici Collective Patrons.)

- At least once a year, patrons also receive an update on the artist’s progress, with pictures of current work, and a list of new patrons and supporters, so they will know the good company they keep!

- Finally, the artist will thank DeMedici Collective patrons for being there “at the creation” by giving them priority for future commissions.


How much does a patron contribute? How often? Is it tax-deductible?

Because people have very different means and obligations, there is no set amount for membership in Rivkah Walton's supporting Collective. To approximate a “sliding scale,” most participants contribute the equivalent of an hour of their “take-home” income each month, with monthly gifts ranging from $25 to $100.

Those who are self-employed or retired determine for themselves what level of contribution is appropriate. Some patrons may be able to make in-kind contributions of goods or professional services. To streamline bookkeeping and minimize administrative time, members can best make their contributions by check on an annual or quarterly basis. Contributions are a personal gift and are not tax-deductible.


Contact Rivkah Walton to discuss becoming a charter member of the first DeMedici Collective.

Rivkah Walton was a proud Associate Artist at The Clay Studio 2007-2009, an internationally-recognized non-profit institution supporting all aspects of the ceramic arts through exciting classes, artist residencies, exhibitions, and a sales gallery in the Old City section of Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Rivkah Walton's website was created through the user-friendly software and hosting service of otherpeople'spixels.com, which is dedicated to providing artists with reasonably priced websites with which to promote their work. If you are an artist and wish to use their services, please tell them that Rivkah Walton sent you!