Reis awarded KFW grant
Morehead State University’s Jennifer A. Reis, assistant professor of art and art gallery director, was recently awarded one of four Artist Enrichment Grants by the Kentucky Foundation for Women.
The grants provide opportunities for feminist artists and arts organizations to enhance their abilities and skills to create art that advances social justice. Applicants may request funds for activities including: artistic development, artist residencies, the exploration of new areas or techniques, and/or to build a body of work. The program drew 90 applications from throughout the state. KFW awarded 41 grants, totaling $100,000.
Reis received $2,500 to research, create, promote, exhibit and digitally archive a body of embellished textile assemblages that explore the “symbolic vernacular” of contemporary Appalachian popular culture and religious symbols. Creating a digital portfolio and archives will help her secure opportunities such as exhibitions and promotion. The body of work will challenge viewers, both inside and outside of Appalachia, to examine their surroundings, beliefs and stereotypes.
The rest of the winners included:
Elizabeth Barret, Appalshop, with photographer Wendy Ewald of Whitesburg, who was awarded $2,000 to document and support the creation of new work reconnecting internationally recognized photographer Ewald and women with whom she worked in a community arts-based program in eastern Kentucky in the 1970s and 80s.
Tammy Clemons and Timi Reedy of Big Hill received $1,000 to support a documentary project about bluegrass musicians Frances and John Reedy.
Leatha Kendrick of East Point was awarded $2,000 to attend two writers colonies and rewrite her novel “Leavings,” focusing on a woman facing crises created by failed social policies and subordination of marginalized people.
“The grants offer artists resources to foster a feminist community equipped to create art-based projects that spark discussions, alter perceptions and create positive social change. By furthering the development of these artists, we recognize the power of feminist social change art to better the lives of women and girls throughout the Commonwealth, and when women and girls advance so does Kentucky” said Dr. Judi Jennings, KFW executive director.
The mission of the Kentucky Foundation for Women is to promote positive social change by supporting varied feminist expression in the arts.
Additional information is available by calling Reis at (606) 783-5446.
Posted: 1-12-10
