What Dreams May Come (and go)

I had a dream last night of my dad telling me I can't make it anywhere here&should go to a bigger city to be an artist.I told him I'd be a little fish in a big OCEAN if I went to a big city to be an artist. Right now I'm a medium fish in little pond. Am I trying to convince myself to go to a big city, or convince myself why I don't move? I don't like big cities. I like this community and this is where I've built my family. It is limited in opportunities, but I'm hoping to be part of West Branch growing. I love the idea of local success stories, such as Daniel Way, who came from West Branch and is now a writer for Marvel Comics. There's also Dita Von Teese, who's from West Branch. The difference is that they built their careers after leaving West Branch. I want to be successful IN West Branch.

Support for a local?

I've been directed to a gallery in New York in hopes of getting interest in my work and maybe exhibiting in said gallery. I contacted the gallery owner and he said that my work is "cool, unique and good shape". Having said that, he gave me the info on his next exhibit in December, which to me means he likes my work enough to have me show in his gallery. However, he requires a fee of $400 to cover advertising, reception and other expenses. Now, here's the glitch: I have no money. Zero. Zilch. So that opportunity slips through my fingers.
It's been suggested that maybe I can ask the West Branch community to show their support for one of their own in his pursuit of making it as a successful artist. I'm not looking to move to New York or California, mind you. I would want to stay in West Branch because it is my home and I've always loved this small community. I want to be a success story from West Branch, as West Branch natives Dita Von Teese and Marvel Comics writer Daniel Way have become. The difference being, I don't want to leave!
That same suggestion recommended having a fundraiser to get me exhibited in New York, or even Chicago or California. But the thought comes to mind "What if I throw a fundraiser and nobody comes?"