A handful of artists from throughout western Massachusetts are receiving a $5,000 boost to help them make their works-in-progress come to fruition.
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, of Springfield, is awarding a combined $80,000 to 16 regional artists as part of its ValleyCreates program. These “Project Evolution Grants” give the artists access to professional development, coaches and other resources to ensure their projects come to life.
Among recipients is Nevline Nnaji, a film maker native to Northampton and whose work highlights marginalized communities. Nnaji called the funding, “a holistic source of support for me at this stage of my creative journey.”
She said that her work, since it deals with those on the margins, often goes unheard of, never mind gets financially supported.
“Not only has this grant allowed me to pay myself for my hard work, it supports me in creating a necessary project that would have been very difficult to carry on my own,” said Nnaji.
Adrian Almquist, a Plainfield artist who works in sculpture, ceramics, woven textiles, and mixed media, is also among recipients.
The funding and resources, he said, “has given me resources to explore work at a larger scale and invest in materials and tools to bring my artistic vision to life.”
He said the grant doesn’t just benefit him, but also local craftsmen.
“I am exploring sculptural work using local wood, stone, fiber, and ceramic wood kilns, and these funds are being invested directly with local farms, sawyers, quarries, and businesses,” said Almquist.
Thanking ValleyCreates, he added that the program, “continues to nurture my confidence as an artist and connect me to a diverse network of artists across western Mass, which is of great importance to me given the remote rural location where I live and work.”
This is the third year of grant distributions from ValleyCreates after the program was launched in 2022.
Recipients are chosen based on applicants with clear plans that can make an impact in the community. Priority is given artists belonging to minority groups who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.
Community Foundation Senior Program Officer Nicole Bourdon said, “This cohort reflects the incredible range of artistry in our region, with projects spanning the areas of visual and fine arts, performing arts, folk and traditional arts, writing, music, and multidisciplinary work.”
Other projects include a theatrical experience by Northampton artist Rachel Leader. She will draw from Jewish traditions to explore the central question of, “Can we create a better society on a worsening planet?”
Westhampton artist Inde will create an exhibit entitled, “Mirror, Mirror,” featuring a series of large figurative paintings, two sculptural installations, an original 16-track album, music videos, and interactive live music performances exploring the layers of intersectional identity.
Other recipients across Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties are: Sunny Allis, Westhampton; Kim Chin-Gibbons, Amherst; Eva Fahey, Chicopee; Michelle Falcón Fontánez, Indian Orchard; Trenda Loftin, Northampton; Karol Matuszak, Ashfield; Taylor Rose Mickens, Springfield; NAGO, Agawam; Malaika Ross, Chesterfield; Meegan Schreiber, Sunderland; LESN101, Springfield; and Mydalis Vera, Springfield
Samuel Gelinas can be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.
