The Calvin Collins Artist Award honors the legacy of Calvin Collins, a North Country artist whose work reflected a lifelong appreciation for creativity. This annual award celebrates his legacy by supporting emerging and established working artists as they continue to grow their creative practice with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning while contributing to the cultural life of the North Country.
The award provides $500 to support an emerging or established working artist living or working in the North Country region. Funds may be used to purchase materials or equipment, attend workshops or classes, support an exhibition or residency, develop new work, or offset other expenses that contribute to an artist's professional practice.
Artists working in all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Live in the North Country region. (Franklin, Clinton, Essex & St Lawrence Counties)
- Be actively engaged in an artistic practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued artistic growth.
Award
- One $500 Calvin Collins Artist Award will be presented annually.
- Funds will be paid directly to the recipient.
- The recipient will be recognized at the Art on East Main Street Opening Reception.
- Within one year of receiving the award, the recipient will provide a brief follow-up describing how the award supported their artistic practice. This may be submitted as a written statement, images of completed work, or another appropriate format. With the recipient's permission, The Thrive Project may share excerpts or images to celebrate the impact of the award.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form.
- An artist statement.
- A brief description explaining how the award will support their artistic practice.
- A current résumé or artist biography.
- Examples of recent work (images, audio, video, writing samples, or links, as appropriate).
- Optional letter of recommendation.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Commitment to an ongoing artistic practice.
- Quality and originality of work.
- Clear purpose for the use of award funds.
- Potential impact on the artist's continued artistic growth.
- Connection to the North Country creative community.
Timeline
- Applications Open: July 17
- Application Deadline: August 15
- Recipient Announced: August 28 at the Art on East Main Street Opening Reception.
