The foundation was created in 2007 to award charitable and educational gifts, which reflect John’s interests and values. John’s skills as a fine furniture maker were a result of passion, dedication and the guidance of a well-known furniture artist. Without that guidance, John would not have realized his capabilities.    In an effort to support the art that John loved and the people who make it, the Foundation has created a fellowship to encourage and support a young-in-career furniture artist with the financial assistance to help him/her succeed in his/her journey. The fellowship has been designed to help support a talented furniture artist looking to fulfill an apprenticeship, develop his/her own skills, and/or make the transition to independence.The John D. Mineck Furniture Fellowship of $25,000 is awarded annually to one artist and is administered by The Society of Arts and Crafts.

The 2016 Fellow will join a prestigious cohort alongside Will Tracey (2009), Libby Schrum (2010), Bart Niswonger (2011), Nick Hollibaugh (2012), Vivian Beer (2013) Kimberly Winkle (2014) and Sarah Marriage (2015).

Criteria & GuidelinesThe fellowship will focus on furniture makers whose work is contemporary and functional and artists who live/work in Northeast United States. Traditional and sculptural furniture makers as well as candidates from other regions in the United States may be considered.The following criteria will be considered in evaluating applications:

• Quality of the artwork, strength of vision and a portfolio that evidences growth beyond school or university work.
• Artwork and résumé demonstrate perseverance and commitment to artistic career.
• The strength and feasibility of the fellowship proposal.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Artist collaborations will be considered.
• Currently enrolled, full-time students are not eligible.   

Fellowship Fund UsesExamples of expenses that would be allowable include:

• Opportunities for advanced study or apprenticeship with a significant mentor.
• Attending professional development classes/workshops.
• Equipment or supplies related to artwork.
• Upgrade or rental of studio space.
• Marketing and website development.
• Travel related to artwork (conferences, expos, exhibitions, shows, etc).
• The portion of federal income taxes directly related to the fellowship income. 

Examples of expenses that would NOT be allowable include:

• Purchase of real estate, rent (non studio), mortgage payments.
• Tuition or classes related to a degree.
• Paying off education loans or past debt.

Fellowship RecipientFellow will be required to sign a contract agreeing to the following terms:

• Fellow is required to provide a mid-term and final report to the Society during the award period, which describes progress made on the plan, any changes to the plan and the impact on artistic development. The reports may take the form of a conversation, email or a letter.
• Fellow must file a financial report to the Society at the end of the award period that outlines how funds were used.
• Fellow is encouraged to attend the John D. Mineck golf tournament and award presentation on October 6, 2016 in Massachusetts to share their experiences and the impact the fellowship has made or will make on their career.
• Fellow is requested to acknowledge funding by the John D. Mineck Foundation in any promotional materials, shows, events, or publications that result from award activities and notify the Society of publicity that results from the award.
• Fellow is required to make themselves available to the press to promote the award. This may include studio visits, photo shoots, interviews and events.     

Additional Information

• Grants are subject to state and federal income tax. The portion of federal income tax related to the income resulting from receiving the Artist Fellowship is an allowable expense in the application budget.  Please contact the IRS or your tax preparer for further information.         
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline
August 31, 2016

The 2016 John D. Mineck Fellow will be announced September 16, 2016.