“Totem Pole” © Edith Donno a 2023 Member Grant Recipient
“Trees” © Barbara Garber a 2023 Member Grant Recipient
I’m happy to announce that Edith Donno and Barbara Garber are the inaugural recipients of the 2023 AZPA Member Photography Grants funded by a generous anonymous donor. Further supporting our “Year of the Woman,” the board decided to make both $500 grant awards available to women members this year.
The two were chosen from seven entries in a blind jurying process. Jurors Gordon Fong (filling in for a traveling Neil Miller), our anonymous donor, and myself made the selections working independently of each other. We used a numbering system, reviewing and selecting our top three artists. We then shared our selections with each other and unanimously agreed on the final selections. It was a tough decision because all the entrants had done significant work. We want to thank all applicants for the chance to see their beautiful images.
We’re proud to be adding this new AZPA benefit because it’s an exciting opportunity for members to enhance their skills, build their networks, and take their careers to the next level. By supporting our members, the grant aims to promote the arts and encourage a more diverse and inclusive photography community.
Establishing the Grant
The AZPA Members Photography Grant began through the generous donation of one of our members who wishes to remain anonymous. The two $500 grants are a unique opportunity for members to expand their skills and knowledge through attending workshops. The goal is to support and empower members in the field of photography by providing financial assistance for their professional and artistic development.
The grant is open to all AZPA members (excluding board members) from all backgrounds and levels of experience who are passionate about developing their craft and advancing their careers. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the art of photography and a desire to learn new techniques and approaches.
The grant covers the cost of attendance at photography workshops, which can be chosen by the recipient according to their interests and needs. The workshops can be in any area of photography, including portraiture, documentary, fine art, experimental, and more. The grant can be used to cover travel and accommodation expenses depending on the location of the workshop.
There will be two grants given each year, to two AZPA members, in the amount of $500.00 each.
2024 Grants
The application process for the next grant cycle will begin January 1, 2024 and close on January 31, 2024.
To apply for the AZPA Members Photography Grant at that time, applicants must complete an application form, submit a portfolio of their work (digital images accepted), a statement of their artistic goals, and a proposal outlining how they intend to use the grant to further their skills and knowledge in photography. The grant will be awarded based on the quality of the applicant’s work, their potential for growth and development, and their proposed workshop plan.
The application form and details will be posted on the AZPA website at the close of 2023. We will also be making announcements on social media so be sure to follow us at:
Dennis Collins
Contributing Writer
Dennis L. Collins has over 30 years experience as a corporate photographer and has a BFA from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. His focus was on alternative process during his undergraduate studies. His interest lies in the timeless beauty of carbon printing being used by contemporary artists for modern images. Carbon printing is a particularly difficult and rare process that Dennis has painstakingly embraced; he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others in hopes that this art form will continue. When he’s not in the darkroom, Dennis enjoys spending time with his family as well as volunteering at Art Intersection (Gilbert, Arizona) and Infinity Hospice.
Contact Dennis