Art Grant Recipient from Peters Valley School of Craft

I am honored to receive an art grant from Peters Valley School of Craft on behalf of The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

The purpose of this grant is to help artists thrive and grow their art practice because of the value that art and artists contribute to the cultural and economic well-being of the residents and visitors of New Jersey.

The deadline to apply for this grant was fast approaching (October 1, 2023) and I almost didn’t apply. But something inside me told me to sit down, make time and complete the grant application. I am so glad I listened to my inner voice!  Over the past 10 years, I’ve applied for many grants, art residencies, fellowships, exhibitions and have always received a rejection, until this year! This is a valuable lesson to learn - if you are an artist with a dream and a passion to pursue and grow your art/creative practice, you have to keep trying and not give up. 

Any endeavor in the creative space is highly competitive and highly subjective…which is why you will most likely receive 1000 rejections before a single acceptance. Not to mention timing and luck are also critical elements that you don’t have control over. While disappointments are part and parcel of being in the creative field, you have to be thick-skinned, believe in yourself and not get discouraged. 

Sometimes you may need to change your approach.  Re-evaluate why things are not working and possibly pursue a different aspect of your creative dream, but the key is to not give up, if this is what you really want to do.  

As 2024 approaches, I am starting to research and make a list of all the grant/exhibition opportunities that I could participate in. Being awarded this grant has definitely boosted my confidence, however I’m prepared that there will be more rejections to come before another “yes”.

And that’s ok…because I won’t stop trying!