In the spirit of Ramona Solberg, the SMG is offering this grant for travelers.
Ramona Solberg (1921-2005) was a beloved teacher and innovative artist who inspired many artists in many disciplines, through her wit, intellect and love of the crafts.
Her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington enabled her to work as a jeweler under the expertise of Ruth Pennington. Upon graduation, a tour of duty to Germany, with the Women's Army Corps gave her a taste of travel and instilled in her an appreciation of cultural differences. The GI Bill provided her with the opportunity to travel, study and work with a jewelry artist in Mexico, and apprentice in Norway.
She began her early teaching career as a junior high art instructor at James Monroe in Seattle. Upon completion of her MFA, Ramona accepted a teaching position in Ellensburg at Central Washington College of Education, now Central Washington University.
As a member of the World Craft Council, she attended conferences in Dublin, Istanbul, Peru, further broadening her knowledge of the arts and crafts of other cultures and her love of travel.
After one of the World Craft Council meetings, she accompanied Jack Lenor Larsen and Sam and Frieda Maloof, subsequently visiting Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan.
Upon her return, Friends of the Craft asked her to escort a tour through these countries with a group of 23 people. Eventually, Connie Swanson Travel began sending her on numerous trips throughout the world with a broad focus on the history, architecture, and arts and crafts of each country. This allowed her to travel to such exotic countries as Yemen, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and India. Consequently, India became a personal favorite because of their long tradition of creating crafts. Her visits eventually totaled 15 trips to this remarkable country.
Through these worldwide treks, Ramona became a passionate collector of ethnic and folk art. The beads and artifacts she gathered eventually became a part of her necklaces and helped to define her unique approach in the world of jewelry art.
Description: One grant of a maximum of $500 will be awarded. This grant is designed to pay for some of the costs of a trip designed by the applicant for the purpose of expanding their knowledge of metal arts in the region in which they are traveling.
In exchange for this grant, the recipient is required to make a presentation to the general membership on their trip and what they learned. This presentation can be a live lecture, an article in the newsletter, a demonstration, a workshop or a video. The presentation is intended to create a dialogue between members and to share experiences. The Guild will archive this presentation and retains the right to use the presentation material at any future date. Recipients will make arrangements for the presentation with the selection committee after being notified of their award.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are traveling for the purpose of investigating and exploring the metals arts of the region. They are also creating a network with foreign artists and craftsmen. Applicants must reside in the Pacific Northwest, which is comprised of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Application: Application packets will not be returned. All applications must include the following:
- 1) A letter of intent (maximum 2 pages) including the following:
- An explanation of the intention in the travels
- A travel itinerary with a timeline
- A budget (with an awareness of market volatility)
- 2) A current resume
- 3) A completed application form (download here)
Deadline for Applications: Applications are due March 15. (Note: This is NOT a "postmarked by" deadline).
The scholarship recipient will be announced by May 15.
Applications should be addressed:
Attn: Seattle Metals Guild Scholarship Committee
P O Box 70407
Seattle, WA 98127
