Programs and Events

Thomas George Artists Fund Award

Grant awarded to support an artist engaged in drawing and painting for up to six months directly following his or her graduation from art school or college; or for a student studying art but not seeking a degree, directly following his or her completion of the school or college’s art program coursework.

Thomas George is an internationally recognized artist whose work is included in the permanent collections of major museums, universities, corporations and private collections worldwide. He counts himself fortunate for having received financial support early on to study and practice his art. While the monetary assistance he received through the G.I. Bill and from his family was modest in size, it was immense in affect, providing him with the financial freedom he needed to explore and cultivate an art career. Mr. George wishes to help provide others with these same opportunities:

“Immediately following formal training, an artist may feel a bit lost at sea.  That along with possible financial pressures can discourage even the most talented and dedicated.  I want to help ease the financial pressure and provide an opportunity for young artists to concentrate on their craft and to experience art as a full-time occupation.” 

Through this grants program, the Thomas George Artists Fund will assist artists at the outset of their careers.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Thomas George Artists Fund grant award. Application packages must be received at the Princeton Area Community Foundation, 15 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 by 5:00 p.m. on December 11, 2009.

Grant Award

One $5,000 grant will be awarded to support an artist engaged in drawing and painting for up to six months directly following his or her graduation from art school or college; or for a student studying art but not seeking a degree, directly following his or her completion of the school or college’s art program coursework.

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of the grant is to cover living and/or other expenses for an artist engaged in drawing and painting so that he or she will have the financial freedom to dedicate their attention full-time to drawing and painting for a limited period after graduation or completion of art program coursework. This respite from the demands of school and workplace is intended to provide a time for career reflection and planning, and an opportunity to do art.

Use of the Grant

Grant monies may be used for routine living expenses, including rent, utilities, transportation, insurances, food and the like. They may also be used for art supplies; travel and accommodations at locations that will facilitate the artist’s drawing and painting; and for non-traditional art study.

Eligibility for the Grant

To qualify for the grant, the applicant must:

1. be a year-round resident of New Jersey, and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;

2. be studying art at The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Community College or Rider  University;

3. be enrolled in an arts program that has provided traditional training in drawing and painting;

4. be on track to: a) graduate with an Associate or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree during the spring or summer of 2010or b) for students studying art but not seeking a degree, to have completed all of the required art program classes of one of the above schools during the spring or summer of 2010;

5. agree to participate in an interview with the Grant Selection Committee if chosen as a finalist; and

6. agree to show a minimum of two drawings and two  paintings completed during the grant period to the Grant Selection Committee if chosen to receive the award.

Grant Selection Committee

The Grant Selection Committee, that will include Mr. George and Princeton Area Community Foundation staff, is responsible for the review and evaluation of grant application packages and for determining the winner of the grant competition.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an application package that consists of:

• one-page application form available here

•  transcripts to verify enrollment in an art program at The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Community College or Rider University;

• one- to two-page essay, typed and double-spaced, on how the grant would be helpful to you financially and artistically (how you would like to use the grant);

• two letters of recommendation, with one from an art instructor at the school you are attending who has taught you drawing, painting and/or related art; and

• slides of five drawings you have produced and slides of five paintings you have produced with title, year, medium and dimensions indicated. Formats other than slides will not be accepted.

Timeline

Dec. 11, 2009  Application packages must be received by 5:00 p.m. at the Princeton Area Community Foundation

Feb. 1, 2010     Letters will be sent to all applicants notifying them of the award decision

May-Aug. 2010  Grant award check will be mailed following receipt of evidence of pending or completed graduation, or completion of coursework for those not seeking a degree, during spring or summer of 2009

By Sept. 30, 2010 The winner must schedule a time with the Princeton Area Community Foundation to visit its offices and show a minimum of two drawings and two paintings completed during the grant period to the Grant Selection Committee

By Dec. 31, 2010 The winner must visit the Princeton Area Community Foundation and show a minimum of two drawings and two paintings completed during the grant period to the Grant Selection Committee

Selection Criteria

In reviewing the application packages the Selection Committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant:

1) has completed traditional training in drawing and painting;

2) has produced art which is technically skilled, deeply felt and reflects a personal point of view; and

3) can benefit from this opportunity financially and artistically.

Inquiries

For additional information about the Thomas George Artists Fund Grants Program or how to apply for a grant, please contact the Princeton Area Community Foundation at 609-219-1800.

Grant Announcement

Following notification of the award winner, Princeton Area Community Foundation will issue a press release to area media.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds must be used for the purposes and activities specified in the grant application and must be spent during the grant period which is not to exceed six months. The award winner should notify Princeton Area Community Foundation as soon as possible if their needs or circumstances change.

Thomas George Artists Fund

The Thomas George Artists Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation was established in 2004 through a gift from Mr. George.  The Fund's purpose is the encouragement of the visual arts by supporting emerging artists.