Buffalo, NY

Built on founder Miko Holt’s strong distaste for the clichéd life of a “starving artist,” Buffalo, N.Y.’s FREZE Foundation is pushing hard to get artists the practical education and business savvy they need to experience success.

A one-woman-show, run solely by Holt--the foundation’s Executive Art Director and Founder, FREZE is new on the scene, and just starting to get noticed in Buffalo’s close-knit artistic community. With a lot of work, and a little PR, we’re all pulling to see FREZE grow. When the foundation takes off, it will promote all kinds of artists through education. FREZE wants to show actors, musicians, painters and any other creative genius that walks through the door how to make smart business moves, and not just great art.

We talked with Miko Holt to get the low-down on how she plans on changing her community for the better, and what FREZE has to offer us all.

Crunk: When and how did you get the idea for FREZE?

I started FREZE in 2004. My mother was a writer and she is now deceased. We didn’t find out she was a writer until after her death. We found short stories and poems she had written. My mother put food on the table and two kids through private schools by going to nursing school and graduating as a registered nurse. My question is this: Had there been a way for my mother to sell her writing and at the same time provide for my brother and I would she still have chosen the career of nursing? FREZE was established to help artists improve the economic status of their lives.

Crunk: You haven't fully launched, but is there already a community buzz about you?

The arts community in Buffalo is small. FREZE Foundation is new to the area, and although this is my hometown we still need to establish visibility. I returned home in July 2008, so I’m still getting my feet wet in the arts community here.

Crunk: What is your background?

I have a background in labor relations, and was a Union Organizer. I also have a strong background in education, writing, and non-profit work. My family has a long political history in Buffalo, New York so I grew up in a community organizing household. My father had my brother and I at an early age knocking on doors and registering voters.

Crunk: You have several degrees, including an AA, BA, MA and MAEd. How do you feel about aiding self-taught artists, who may lack education?

I am always mindful that not everyone in the world has advanced degrees or even an undergraduate education, and, that’s fine. I happen to have four college degrees. However, I don’t believe a higher education has anything to do with passion, drive or talent.

Crunk: Do you feel that creative education should emphasize the business and marketing aspect of a creative profession?

A creative education is just that ---a creative education. Obtaining a BFA or MFA is great. Creative people get the opportunity to engage in courses that are relevant to their lives and talents. I’m an lifelong learner but don’t agree with the curriculum of a fine arts degree. The curriculum should include a business course or two. Not only should the fine arts programs include a business course but there should be a comprehensive push for artists to land jobs following graduation. Creative people need to be able to put food on the table! Institutions are often interested in filling our minds . More emphasis should be placed on filling our pockets following graduation. Employed alumni give back!

Crunk: Why do you think that artists are not already being taught how to actually make a living doing what they love?

This is what the program at FREZE attempts to address. Our society is just now beginning to encourage self-employment. For many years, we’ve been taught to work for someone else. Then, we have the words “starving artists” which I despise. Those two words have done considerable damage to our frame of thinking as a society. Once we address the core values of utilizing our God given gifts, then we are able to sell our creative talents. We live in a world of buyers and sellers. Creative people need to learn how to sell---we teach this at FREZE Foundation.

Crunk: What is your favorite part of this organization?

My favorite part of being the Executive Art Director/Founder of FREZE is working directly with the artists and seeing them accomplish small but grand goals. It’s a great thing to be a part of.

Crunk: What does FREZE stand for?

FREZE doesn’t stand for anything, it’s a metaphor. See, it’s cold outside in this world for artists. FREZE provides a shelter built with the education these artists need to succeed.

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