2024 Winners

"SCOOB’s ‘Trauma Project’ is a powerful example of the potential art has as a vehicle for world-building. I was privileged enough to attend the live activation with the participating artists and the exceptional skill, vulnerability, support, and strength I witnessed was breathtaking. In a social-political ecosystem which consistently foments violence and oppression against the Black American community, spaces of safety and solidarity are not just a rare respite but a life saving necessity. I’ve always believed art has the power to heal, to save lives, to strengthen community; but seeing it happening in front of me was a priceless honor. I believe that this award has the ability to not only support the practices of these artists but to continue the invaluable work SCOOB and his collaborators do. This can be used as a seed to really help something grow. For me, the choice was clear."

"Jon’s painting “Remember who you are" masterfully engages with complex questions of identity, aging, and family through the genre of portrait painting. Jon’s exceptional painterly abilities not only elevate the notion of portraiture, but also engage us as viewers through the careful details and complex colors. The work’s elegant simplicity is a reflection of its maturity and power as an image; its rich symbolism tells a poignant story about self and collective becoming that crosses generations and identities."

"'Old Stories' is a series of intimate, individual, (mainly) ceramic works that collectively relate a tale of the human experience. Exhibiting an adept use of medium, the handbuilt clay pieces expertly covered in matte glazes give the appearance of age-weathered patinas, while utilizing light, liquid, movement, and ornamentation to encourage the viewer into a closer, prolonged look at each sculpture. The small-scale structures, firmly rooted and weighty, are delicately accented by waxed, feather-winged figures hovering above the greenery that lines the archway entry. The chapters of this story unfold like a participatory installation of Ancient Greek mythology, whose concepts are eerily relevant in today's world. Themes of fear, isolation, and exhaustion are present, but these feelings are matched by the beauty in which Highwater exhibits a mastery of materials and storytelling. Ultimately, the work is uplifting and light, giving us hope in a world that often feels dark."

“Samuelle Green pays attention. I’ve never met her but she leaves behind solid evidence in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this heap of recycled materials is the ancient architecture of animals (they know what to do to survive and Samuelle Green executes this ancient wisdom believably); there’s the transference of that feeling of sucking your thumb in the womb;; step inside and the dulled gallery noise sounds like protective cotton in the ears muffling incantatory moans; there’s the smell of a burning lagoon at the entrance of a bee hive; there’s the tunnel at the end of which comes the rush of harsh reality which makes going back inside the only comfortable option. On second look it is best to be alert all the better to see the pointed spikes in the paper material. They are weapons with no prey. It is a hive without bees. It is survival from the distant past. Animal instinct is the ability to perform a behavior the first time on exposure to stimulus with no second-order understanding. Green understands this complex endeavor, the full extent and nature of knowledge which has informed survival. It is a testament to the urgent pleasures of staying connected to the natural world.”

"This entry was selected because of the quality of the poems created, on demand, for 16 days. It is a great example of time-based work and contemporary performance art mediums of endurance, stamina, and on-demand creativity."

"In his three-channel video work ‘Me So Calgon’, Stafford Smith approached the pervasiveness of anti Asian stereotyping in popular culture with clear wit, research, and clear personal experience. Smith’s smart use of visual and audio cues — the piling of collaged images, the rhythmic repetition of phrases, and the uninterrupted loop — demonstrated a mastery of video as a medium. Smith was able to seamlessly integrate popular media, historical political phenomena, and internet meme culture into one cohesive project. I was impressed by Smith’s clear vision and his ability to communicate the absurdity of these ubiquitous cultural and historical moments without bitterness and, on a technical level, the work was functional, professional, and well presented."

"Common Object’s "Understory" stood out to me for their innovative solutions and sustainable design. Their collection of office furniture utilizes local wool waste, willow sticks, and salvaged wood, creating 100% bio-based and biodegradable products that return to the earth. What sets “Understory” apart is its commitment to community empowerment, sourcing materials locally and supporting farmers. The practical application of sustainability principles highlights their relevance in pushing the furniture industry toward circular design. This project shows how design can be both functional and responsible, making Understory a standout success."