We aim to bring you the names of Don’t Miss artists from New England – it’s nice to see a few of our picks receive this honor.
Past Take Magazine subjects and New England-based artists Lauren Fensterstock, Anna Hepler, and Roberto Lugo are among the 46 recipients of the prestigious United States Artists (USA) 2016 fellows. A panel of experts in music, theater, visual art, dance, and literature have the difficult task of choosing the winners, but they’ve once again risen to the occasion. In addition to being recognized and nominated by their peers in their respective artistic arenas, they are each awarded an ‘unrestricted’ financial reward of $50,000.
Blind Spot, 2015 | Photo by Mike Fleming
“By supporting American artists, USA is supporting creativity, free expression, and a strong diverse culture. Our Fellows cross all ages, ethnicities, and stages in their careers,” said United States Artists Interim President & CEO Sunny Fischer. “Each has a unique artistic voice that expands the creative environment of the United States. It is an honor to support these artists, contribute to their financial security, and to facilitate future works. We are encouraging the best of what American artists can achieve.”
Lauren Fensterstock | Forays and Follies, 2015 | Drexel University | Photo Constance Mensh
The Fellowships allow artists to use the unrestricted funds for whatever they need most, and so to take risks and push their careers forward. Although we’ll assume they’ll use some of it to attend the big party in Chicago celebrating all of the recipients. The 2016 USA Fellows will be celebrated at USA’s annual Artist Assembly in March 2017.
We’re so happy for all the artists on this list. Grants like these make it possible for artists to do their important work that ultimately builds creative communities that benefits all of us.
Steve Paxton and Vivian Beer – we’re looking forward to meeting you! Talk soon!