Introduction and Background
The Mineck Fellowship is an annual $25,000 grant, to a young-in-career, emerging or mid-career furniture artist, who wants to fulfill an apprenticeship, develop skills, purchase equipment and/or make the transition to independence. Funded by the John D. Mineck Foundation, the fellowship has made a lasting impact on handmade contemporary furniture, and on all of us who care about the growth and evolution of the field.
Described by a friend as “that shooting star in your life,” John D. Mineck, who passed away in 2007, was a successful businessman, a skilled golfer, and a passionate lover of woodworking and fine wooden furniture. A man of substance, he served as a Trustee of the Society of Arts and Crafts, as well as numerous other non-profit groups.
Since the first grant, awarded in 2009, the Mineck has enabled 15 makers to complete work that many of them claim would not have been possible, or that would have been significantly delayed, without this critical support. Several of the Mineck fellows applied for the grant multiple years before being selected. Most grantees describe the grant as having been “life-changing.”
Sophie Glenn, who won in 2022, used the grant to outfit a metalwork shop. Her current body of work, ‘Rust Never Sleeps’, recreates classic furniture designs completely out of painted and rusted steel. At first glance, the pieces appear
to be made of wood, and are often met with personal memories and
connotations from viewers. Upon closer inspection however, it is revealed that
the works are just not quite right, with rust spots, humorous images, or implied
textiles, among other effects. Glenn encourages viewers to experience wood
and steel in a new light, and to reevaluate their relationship to furniture.
Fellowship Guidelines
The fellowship focuses on furniture makers whose work is contemporary and
functional. Preference is given to artists who live and work in the Northeast
United States, but candidates from other regions in the United States, are also
considered. International entries are not considered.
Timing
Applications are accepted year-round and close in early September (see below for
the current year’s deadline). Each year’s Fellow is announced in late September
and grant funds are forwarded in early October.
Jurying Process and Selection Criteria
Winning a Mineck is hard to do. Nonetheless, we encourage you to be among the
75 to 100 artists who typically apply. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by
a panel of 3 jurors, who typically are drawn from the ranks of experienced wood
artists; administrators and/or educators of wood-oriented schools; and, curators
with expertise in wood art and /or furniture. The constitution of the jury changes
from year to year.
The following criteria are considered in evaluating applications:
Quality of the artwork, strength of vision, and a portfolio that evidences
growth beyond school or university work
Artwork and résumé demonstrating perseverance and commitment to an
artistic career
The strength and feasibility of the fellowship proposal
In addition:
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
Artist collaborations will be considered
Currently enrolled, full-time students are not eligible
2024 Application Deadline: September ___, 2024
Past recipients:
Will Tracey (2009), Libby Schrum (2010), Bart Niswonger (2011), Nick Hollibaugh
(2012), Vivian Beer (2013) Kimberly Winkle (2014), Sarah Marriage (2015), Annie
Evelyn (2016), Jack Mauch (2017), Tom Shields (2018), Beatriz Mayorca (2019),
Aspen Golann (2020), Jamie Herman (2021), Sophie Glenn (2022).
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at _____________.