MECA&D’s Ceramics, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Textile & Fashion Design, and Woodworking & Furniture Design Will Receive Generous Boost
A grant from the Windgate Charitable Foundation for $300,000 to invest in MECA&D's four Craft Programs (Ceramics; Metalsmithing & Jewelry; Textile & Fashion Design; and Woodworking & Furniture Design) will fund three areas key areas at the College: tools and equipment; visiting artists; and the endowed Belvedere Fund for alumni professional development.
This grant will allow MECA&D to focus attention on its craft programs through purchase of equipment to meet the changing needs of the field, expand use of visiting artists to provide varied perspectives on craft, and make strategic investments in the careers of recent graduates.
MECA&D’s Interim President, Stuart Kestenbaum said “We’re delighted to receive this generous support from Windgate, which is widely recognized for its support of leading craft programs in the country. MECA&D is known for its strong craft programs, and this funding will be a great catalyst for us.”
In recent years, support from the Windgate Charitable Foundation has already had a significant impact at MECA&D, and three alums have been recipients of this prestigious honor including Tanner Price '12 (Woodworking & Furniture Design), Rangeley Morton '14 (Woodworking & Furniture Design), and Patrick Aaron Decker '14 (Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design).
Based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the Windgate Charitable Foundation is a family foundation established in 1993 that supports art education projects, K-12 school improvement programs, higher education initiatives, programs to strengthen family relationships, and human service programs.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Interim President, Stuart Kestenbaum, please contact Raffi Der Simonian at 207.699.5010 or rdersimonian@meca.edu.