In 2016, Erie Arts & Culture made a commitment to make a greater investment in the artists living and working in Erie County by establishing the annual Artist Fellowship program. The agency saw a need to provide artists with funding, specifically unrestricted funding, that could be used by artists to delve deeper into their creative processes and assist them in their pursuit of artistic development and growth.
In 2019, Erie Arts & Culture began awarding professional development grants to artists across three categories; emerging, mid-career, and established. Each category provided cash awards of $2000, $3500, and $5500 respectively.
Each year, applicants are reviewed by an independent panel of subject matter experts from outside of Erie County to reduce conflicts of interest. This year, applicants included a wide array of visual, performing, and literary artists, and panel members met virtually from Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
Award recipients this year include:
Emerging Artist - $2,000
Corinne Justine
Creating art, specifically choreographing dance, has long been a part of Corrine Justine’s life. From a young age, music and various inspirations, like love and self motivation, have led her to create projects that she will forever hold dear. For Corrine, sharing movement signifies the realism of life and how everything is interconnected. Being an entertainer and creator has shown Corrine that others rely on art and entertainment to enrich life, connect with one another, or reflect on personal or shared experiences.
Mid-Career Artist - $3,500
Ashley Pastore
Creating artwork is a necessity for Ashley Pastore. As a printmaker and new media artist, she believes that artwork functions as an alternative language, through the representation of objects and imagery. Ashley encourages different perspectives and knows that creative thinking is essential for the development of life. She specifically enjoys the re-presentation of everyday objects, including discarded items. Ashley’s work portrays themes that can be translated through most people’s lives, bringing us together in a culture that so strongly encourages separation.
Established Artist - $5,500
Fredy Huaman Mallqui
Fredy Huaman Mallqui is a sculptor, classical woodcarver, and conservator of historical wooden objects and architectural elements. He is also a teacher of classical wood carving. As a full-time artist, Fredy seeks to achieve artistic excellence, recognition, and share his knowledge with others. Last year, Fredy worked with artist Alex Anthes, through Erie Arts & Culture’s Creating with Community neighborhood residency program. Additionally in 2020, Fredy was honored with an award in the Erie Art Museum’s annual Spring Show and commissioned for a public art sculpture by the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network.
