The Belvedere Fund for Professional Development in the field of crafts at Maine College of Art & Design was established in 2008 in memory of Deborah Pulliam of Castine, Maine. Deborah was a lover of history, land preservation, animal welfare and the arts, and she supported many causes generously throughout her life. Candidates eligible to apply for Belvedere Grant awards are alumni who received a BFA degree from Maine College of Art & Design within the last 10 years and are currently working in the field of crafts.
Funds are intended to support the enhancement of the professional and studio practice of an artist. The 2021 selection committee was comprised of ceramic designer Adam Chau '10, Leah Gauthier, Adjunct Assistant Professor & Studio Tech in Textile & Fashion Design, and Kyle Patnaude, Assistant Professor in Metalsmithing & Jewelry and MFA.
The 2021 awardees are Chloe Darke ’11, Olivia Dwyer ’18, Adrian King ’12, Madison Poitrast-Upton ’20, and Violet Weiner ’20.
- Darke will use the funds to purchase an anvil and a Swiss torch system to allow for the creation of larger works, silver annealing, forging, and metal casting.
- Dwyer will use the funds to purchase an industrial sewing machine and bulky knitting machine to enhance their productionand variety capabilities as a freelance production seamstress and independent designer.
- King will use the funds to purchase fire bricks to construct a wood burning kiln.
- Poitrast-Upton will use the funds to purchase an industrial buttonhole machine sewing machine to increase production at their company Loquat.
- Weiner will use the funds to purchase a Rotary Lap and diamond pads for stone carving and lapidary work.
Image credit: Madison Poitrast-Upton ’20, Untitled, 11/19, linen, pineapple leather, size 6 blazer and shorts.