Arts Council of Greater Lansing Announces 2014 Chris Clark Recipients
Fellowships Awarded to Five Area Creative Professionals
LANSING, Mich., August 7, 2014 – The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce the recipients of the Chris Clark Fellowship Program for Creative Professionals. In its third year, the Fellowship provides recipients access to professional development opportunities and business resources through a competitive cash grant reimbursement of up to $1,500.
Currently in its third year, the program was established through a legacy gift from Chris Clark to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. A Greater Lansing native who was passionate about the arts, Chris envisioned a Lansing where arts and culture were regarded as the tri-county’s true wealth. He knew the importance of bringing the arts and cultural communities and local businesses together to create a thriving and prospering city.
In keeping with Chris’ vision, the program supports creative capacity building for Lansing-area individuals such as visual, literary, and performing artists; arts administrators; arts educators; and arts students. This year, more than 20 individuals went through the application and selection process, and we are proud to announce that five were chosen to receive awards. Each recipient was selected based upon the merit of his/her proposal and capacity for growth.
The 2014-2015 recipients and their awarded activities are listed below.
Wade MacDonald, of Lansing, is a ceramic and mixed media artist who seeks to explore new methods of art production, enhance his knowledge through critical dialog and develop professional relationships. Wade will receive $1,500 for his awarded residency at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO from Feb. 4, 2015 – April 16, 2015.
Benjamin Fuhrman, from Lansing, is a music composer who seeks the opportunity to nationally gain exposure, stay abreast of new developments in music and professionally network. Benjamin will receive $1,100 toward travel, accommodations and meals to support his attendance at the College Music Society National Conference, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2014.
Nathaniel Bean, of Bath, is a doctoral student in trumpet performance who seeks to market his abilities as a freelance performer, demonstrate talent to potential clients and gain respect in the international community. Nathaniel will receive $1500 to record a professionally edited CD of classical music for the trumpet and flute, including works by some of the 20th and 21st century’s most successful composers.
Sharan Egan, of Lansing, is a fiber and textiles artist who seeks to expand her practice as an artist, create large scale pieces and solicit public and private commissions. Sharan will receive $1500 for capital equipment for a designated studio space for her artistic endeavors, including a large work table, a design wall, shelving units, cart, lighting, chair and mat.
Deborah Fehrenbach, from Saint Johns, seeks to develop her career as a jewelry metal artist by learning filigree techniques and enriching her contemporary designs to offer a rare form of jewelry art. Deborah will receive $900 toward travel costs to Marsaskala, Malta and filgree training with Gaetano Saliba.
For further information on the Chris Clark Fellowship Program for Creative Professionals provided by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, please contact the Arts Council Program Manager at (517) 853-7582.
Founded in 1965, the Arts Council of Greater Lansing is a non-profit organization whose mission is to lead, advocate for, and advance arts and culture in the capital region. For more information, visit www.www.lansingarts.org.