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Marroquin has owned and operated an art and weaving studio in the Arcade Mall for the last two years. He is hoping the space can serve the community more effectively.
"My goal is to contribute to the artistic and cultural community of Bridgeport while stepping up to the global arts community," he says on the website. "I see that Bridgeport is becoming a center for creativity and I am proud to be part of this emergence of talented people, but I find that I can't sustain my efforts alone and I reach out for help from my community."
Marroquin is seeking $5,000 through an indiegogo.com crowdfunding campaign. With the money he hopes to purchase equipment to achieve his vision of operating a sustainable business offering weaving workshops to larger groups.
Marroquin has conducted weaving demonstrations at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Westport Library and in Bridgeport, at the Roosevelt school, the YMCA, the Franklin Apartments and is a regular at the Bridgeport Arts Fest.
The artist also has participated in group showings at the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Fuller Craft Museum and the Hudgens Center for the Arts.
This year, Marroquin will be part of the Textile Biennial at the Rijswijk Museum in Holland.
Despite his success, Marroquin says that due to the sporadic nature of his demonstrations, funding is far from steady and often barely covers the cost of materials.
To date, Marroquin's campaign has raised $1,200 of his $5,000 goal. Those who donate $15 or more will receive a gift, ranging from a small woven sample, all the way up to a hand-woven throw for a donation of $1,000 or more.
The campaign runs through March 7.
Click here to watch Marroquin's video and to donate.
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