Over the last six months, a group of creators from the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts community has thrived under the Artist Grant Initiative. Funded by the Windgate Foundation, this program awarded eight up-and-coming artists a $10,000 unrestricted grant and access to an online mentorship with artist Vivian Chiu and designer Cedric Mitchell.
“It was inspiring to engage with artists who are forging their own paths while contemplating the impact of their work on the world. The cohort demonstrated curiosity, honesty, and openness throughout the process, reminding me that creating a life in the arts is about community and dialogue as much as it is about the work itself,” stated Mitchell.
Following a rigorous evaluation by jurors Curtis Arima and Annie Evelyn, the 2025 awardees include Aminata Conteh, David Gutierrez, Payton Harris-Woodard, Celina Hernandez, Jason McDonald, Alex Paat, David Vuong, and Tzyy Yi (Amy) Young. This diverse group represents a wide range of contemporary craft disciplines, from painting and papermaking to glass, ceramics, and furniture design.
Vivian Chiu, who works with wood, expressed her pride in supporting such a dynamic group of experimental artists across various craft mediums. She noted their dedication to their practices and their shared goal of uplifting their communities. The initiative invited applicants from past Haystack fellowship participants since 2018.
Each artist has embarked on unique projects, from Aminata Conteh’s metal basketry in Brooklyn, NY, to David Gutierrez’s mobile glass studio for Los Angeles youth. Other notable endeavors include Payton Harris-Woodard’s self-portrait collages and Celina Hernandez’s exploration of boxing culture through ceramics and performance. Additional projects by Jason McDonald, Alex Paat, David Vuong, and Amy Young further highlight the cohort’s innovative spirit and commitment to their craft.
For more details on the artists, visit haystack-mtn.org.
