I am currently a senior studio art student at NYU preparing for my graduation thesis show in May. Using open-ended installations, I create contrasting sensorial experiences that subtly comment on societal and political issues – for example, how the trappings of a comfort bubble can actually cause it to become distorted and discomforting when viewed at a certain point. Through the manipulation of space and objects, I essentially draw the viewers’ presence into the artwork, so that they inevitably become a part of the piece as well. By using the viewers’ own bodies to activate the artwork and allowing them to become aware of their participation, I am hoping the experience will lead them to absorb the artwork so that when they leave the space, they leave with their own commentary on the piece lingering in their minds.

From age eleven, I had always wanted to learn to make my own books. Yet the opportunities for a preteen to learn bookbinding in rural northwest Texas (before the Internet) were nonexistent. Over a decade later, I managed to grab a highly coveted spot in my university’s bookbinding technical course. I flourished in that environment, teaching myself additional skills like fore edge gilding and leather paring. And a truly wonderful coincidence surfaced when my babushka (native Russian paternal grandmother) came to visit me mid semester at university. One evening, I was staining pages and writing calligraphy in preparation for a project when my babushka was overcome with emotion. Her long passed brother, her only sibling with whom she grew up at a Russian orphanage, loved calligraphy and bookbinding as well, and I never knew. When they were young adults (in the photo), she used to watch with fascination as he would hang signatures or gatherings of pages from cords pulled tight like a clothes line in their living room. Over half a century later, she was absolutely delighted to watch her grandson doing the very same as her brother at the very same age. That was such a lovely moment for her, and I think of that lovely coincidence every time I hit that stage in every new project. If I were to win a grant from Jerry, I’d spend it on supplies to make a volume to remember her, my babushka, now that she’s gone.

I have been a maker all my life, from crocheting my Barbie doll's clothes to now pursuing a career in fine craft art jewelry. I grew up in a strong military family with no support for the arts. When I first went to college in the Fall of 1999, I started off in art, but let my family talk me out of it's importance. Without it, I didn't know what to do. I didn't finish school at that time. In the years after I dropped out of school, I worked in restaurants mostly, but always found myself surrounded by creative people and always tinkering with various art projects. Art is just a part of who I am. I took some workshops in 2012 at Vanderbilt's Sarrat school, in metalsmithing. It was then that I decided that I should be taking art more seriously and that I should go back to school to finish my degree. In the Spring of 2013 I enrolled at the Appalachian Center for Craft (Tennessee Technological University's Fine Art Program). I finished my degree in May of last year. Right now, I am trying to build a body of production work to break into the emerging artist status. I am working 2 part time jobs, one as a gallery coordinator for TnTech, installing exhibitions and managing the gallery space. I'm just trying to do anything that is creative and art related to make ends meet. It is a struggle, but I have faith that it will come together. In the long run, I would like to be able to give back to other emerging artists. I also want to teach workshops and I would like to possibly pursue a master's degree as well. I make art jewelry. I think of it as small scale sculptures that can be worn on the body, like a walking gallery. I use a wide variety of materials including; base metals, silver, precious stones, wood, vitreous enamels, found objects, even trash, and more. I really enjoy working with found objects and materials. I like to see what can be done with unusual materials; learning how to push their limits and work with their unique properties. I am inspired by abstract art, absurdist philosophy, existentialism, and the juxtaposition of nature and technology.

I have been privileged to do live theatre and film most of my life. I have been incredibly challenged, moved from different characters' circumstances and shown the tendencies of human nature. After seventeen years of doing what I have always done, I've decided to come into doing that with which is in my blood. My great uncle along with both of my grandmothers have been greatly fullfilled and successful from their dedication to the professional art world. A couple of years ago, my best friend told me that all she wanted to do for her birthday was paint with me. She secretly always knew what was within me, artistically. I had never felt quite like "Amber" the way I did that night, with paint on my hands and a burning desire to create something beautiful. And so my journey begins and I take on this new outlet of self expression that I can actually call my own. I am a server at a healthy restaurant trying my best to save up for high quality paint and resin. I dream of bringing my work into a booth for Art Basel Miami. I bet my mom, great uncle and grandmothers would have had trust that I'd take on this colorful career I now hope to land.

I'm 69 years young. All my life I've been able to paint sketch and carve. But being a single mother, and having to work. The painting just got pushed aside, until my kids were grown. And when they were grown, then it was taking care of an elderly friend, and then my significant other developed cancer and I took care of him. I've work done, and need to display it, and begin rebuilding a name for myself. But it costs money to become a member so one can display. I'm hoping should i win, that i can take pieces to various galleries and become a member. I'm self taught and can capture just about anything.

I have had a passion for art since I was a little girl in the 4th grade. As I have grown my love for art has grown with me. Similarly, is why now as a college student here in Nashville away from home, I am pursuing as a Studio Art major .

I have been a artist since 5th grade. Sold my first water color for $5 , which as any 5th grader would do and buy candy. Now I'm working a series of women of different ethnics just finished my 4th...it is a hand stretched canvas 4'x5' a few took a while to make and others were a struggle. I love painting and now I am being asked to help with a mural for a school. The school Emerson Elementary school was built in 1917 Tulsa Ok.. If I win I want to donate the winnings for the mural. It will my self and 3 other artists ....the concept is for everyone to come together for education and fun in learn. The mural will have books and a tree with children's hand prints made into flowers and bugs ...full of color as the children come to school. I am adding a few pieces that I've one and something similar will be on wall mural.

In 2018 my husband and I took our first cruise to Alaska. Our eyes watered as we saw the glaciers melting. It is a known fact that the water levels in the world are rising at a dangerous rate due to global warming. I took many pictures of this and have made a pledge to our family our communities and all of our friends to combat Global Warming. In Florida we have a condo in a senior village called Century Village. I have undergone a mission to collect peoples recyclable plastic since there are no recycling plastic disposals. People need to realize that it is in their control to contain our trash, paper goods, and plastic. It is a human Responsibility. Stephanie Becker

My name is Michael Shellenberger and I am 30 years old. About 5 years ago I lost my father to suicide. I had been a musician all my life and have always really appreciated fine art! Esao Andrews has been my favorite painter since I was around 14 years old. When I lost my father I lost all creative drive and fell into deep depression. I didn’t feel as though I had a creative outlet any longer.. About a year and a half ago I went on a blind date and met the love of my life. She just so happened to be a fantastic painter! One day we were trying to create together, and I was feeling frustrated while playing my guitar. She asked if I wanted to try painting! I’d never painted or sketched in my life, so I was frightened by the idea. I decided to give it a shot, so we went to a local art store and got a beginners set of oils and brushes. The second I put my brush to the canvas, I fell in love and knew what I was meant to do with my life. I was finally able to be loose and free with my self expression, as I have always had stage fright and music was more agonizing that relieving most times for me. My entire life changed that day. I have been painting for a year and a half so far. I have dedicated countless hours since, in pursuit of my passion for painting pop surrealism! The picture I have submitted is my 3rd painting. I have been taking a lot time to learn and grow with each painting. For example this work, titled “The Forgotten Voyage” (12x16 oil on davinci pro panel resist grip, from you guys of course 😊) took me 6 months to complete. For each painting I have done a print release, each with a portion of proceeds going to non profits such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Paws Fur Recovery! Part of the message of my work is mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The bell in the painting represents speaking up when one is having trouble.. make a sound.. reach out and ask for help! The stigma associated with mental health is outdated and a main part of my mission as an artist is to bring this to the forefront and use my platform to raise awareness for these issues. I prefer to use old holland oils, Princeton velvetouch brushes, davinci pro panels, and gamblin mediums and varnishes. If I am one of the ones lucky enough to be chosen, I would use a portion of this money to get new materials that I desperately need and donate the rest to the foundation I am currently working with for the print release of the painting I have shared with you! Paws rescues dogs before euthanasia and kennel them until they can find foster homes or adoption. They bring them to local events to socialize and promote adoption as well! I appreciate your consideration, the opportunity, and for always having such wonderful customer service. I’ve never had a bad experience with Jerry’s. Yours truly, Michael Shellenberger

When I was seven my parents took me on a hop (military cheap flight) to Greece and Italy. I clearly remember looking at michaelangelo and Da Vinci’s work. The defining moment was when I saw the Sistine Chapel. I remember thinking “A human made this?... I’m a human... maybe I could do this. It was at that moment I knew what I wanted to do with my life- forever. Growing up in a military family can be very difficult, and it was. I experienced quite a few traumas at a young age. Through everything, therapy and art saved me. My first experience with a real painter was a few years later. A beautiful older lady named Mrs. Gronville (we rented from her in Albany, NY) gave me my first real encouragement. She gave me her vintage Windsor and Newton travel watercolor kit. I was fascinated by the little pans and the metal brush. The way the whole thing folded up and had a sponge, place for water, and fold out mixing trays just felt so complete and right. She taught ke how to cut matts, and mix colors. Unfortunately, we moved within the year. I continued to find my peace and solace in my art. I wasnt really encouraged, in fact, the opposite. But moving so much left me with few friends, and a lot of free time. Years went by and I never tried to show my art. I also began making jewelry, but I was too shy to show my work. One of my friends told me I should try to sell my jewelry in a gallery, and so I went and found success! After some time, I went to an opening for one of the painters and he pulled out of me that I also painted. He invited me to come and do a group project based on an old Victorian parlor game. Through this beautiful group of artists, I found the courage to start trying to show my work at galleries in Wilmington, NC. My first night, at my first opening, at the grand opening of Checker Cab Gallery- I sold my very piece and met the man who I would apprentice under. Chappy Valente taught me everything I know about oil. I worked under him for three years, and started teaching alongside him. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching over a thousand students. I have come to love teaching and seeing the “light bulb” flash in students of all ages eyes. I continue to dream, paint, and teach. Art is my life. A year and a half a go I met the love of my life and began to teach him how to paint. Now we create and grow together.

I had no doubt that I was an artist at the age of five . I was told by my father that he would not help me with tuition toward an art education ,only medical school . At the age of seventeen I left home to work my way through art school. I did portraits in resort areas , murals in restaurants and night clubs . Illustration for signs and advertising , perspective architectural drawings for construction developers and made through with gratitude and an understanding of how to live off of my art . Leaving school was not an anxious time , of how will I earn a living because I had already been doing it for four years . It is now fifty years later and I am still doing it with love and gratitude.. occasionally I will instruct a serious student . I would use the award to help my students afford art supplies.

Started as crafter but fell in love with watercolor and love to spend time painting.