Scholarships and Awards 

Mission: As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Pratt Fine Arts Center provides access to the transformative power of artistic expression through an inclusive community, culture of learning, and specially equipped studios.

Pratt Fine Arts Center is excited to announce our 2025-2026 Scholarships + Awards recipients! This cycle, we're granting 15 awards totaling $49,635 to the following emerging and lifelong artists: 

• Mónica Mendoza-Cawthon (she/her/ella) | Bernie Funk Artist Explorations Scholarship 

• Ashanti Davis (she/they) | Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship for Artists of Color

• Amira Abdel-Fattah (she/they) | Edwin. Pratt Scholarship for Artists of Color

• Vulgar Dreamer (she/her) | Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship for Artists of Color

• Lauren Bayer Echevarria (she/her) | Jon + Mary Shirley Scholarship in Glass 

• Astrid Hunter (she/her) | Jon + Mary Shirley Scholarship in Glass 

• Lila Zeichner (she/her) | Lillian Yeh Scholarship for Lifelong Artists  

• Mary Coss (she/her) | Mary Molyneaux Scholarship for Women (50+)

• Gabi Nirino (she/her) | Mary Molyneaux Scholarship for Women (50+)

• Lily Gray (she/they) | Professional Artist-in-Residence: Flameworking 

• Max Hautala (he/him/his) | Pratt/Seattle Print Arts Partners Grant

• Susan Sanders (she/her) | Pratt/Seattle Print Arts Partners Grant 

• Ritu Tilwani (she/her) | Pratt/Seattle Print Arts Partners Grant

• Carolanne Sanders Lundgren (she/her) | Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths Scholarship 

• Natsuki Katsukawa (she/her) | Webber/Tompkins Scholarship in Glass  

We extend our heartful gratitude to our jurors:  

• Alton Bucheimer 

• Bri Chesler 

• Andy DeLapp 

• Chris German 

• Kathleen Hargrave 

• Rey Hauser 

• Jae Eun Kim 

• Ahmoy Lau 

• Hanako O'Leary 

• Marge Levy 

• Kati Simek 

• Marian Wachter 

• Niki Zacherle  

Special thanks to our generous donors and partner organizations for your support in providing these opportunities: Bernie Funk (†); 4Culture’s Doors Open Free Public Access program; friends and family of Lillian Yeh; Gary Molyneaux and friends and family of Mary Molyneaux; Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); Pohlman Knowles Studio; RBC Wealth Management; Seattle Print Arts (SPA); Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths (SIBS); and friends and family of Bryna Webber & Richard Tompkins, including Rachel Anderson and Jason Omenn.  

                        

2025-2026 Scholarships and Awards (Descriptions):

Bernie Funk Artist Explorations Scholarship: The Bernie Funk Artist Explorations Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis for an artist aged 18 or older working in two-dimensional or three-dimensional media, excluding glass. The scholarship will include classes in the metal, wood, stone, drawing, painting, and/or printmaking studios, a membership to Pratt, studio access, a supply stipend, and professional development opportunities. 

Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship for Artists of Color: Pratt Fine Arts Center is pleased to offer the Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship, providing opportunities for artists of color to advance their careers through education and exposure. The Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship aims to amplify the work of historically underrepresented artists and equip them with the tools to progress to the next level in their professional journeys. These artists, in turn, will make powerful contributions to the vitality of our region. 

Pratt Fine Arts Center serves as a lasting tribute to Edwin T. Pratt, a civil rights leader and former Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League, who relentlessly championed open and equal access to education and housing opportunities for Seattle's Black community. Pratt Fine Arts Center honors his memory by striving to make art accessible to people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This scholarship is one way Pratt makes that mission a reality. 

Jon and Mary Shirley Scholarship in Glass: Through the generous and enduring support of the Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation, Pratt Fine Arts Center is pleased to offer a project-based scholarship to support an emerging artist pursuing a career in the glass arts, the opportunity to explore new or experimental directions in their practice, and to leverage Pratt's valuable educational resources. 

Lillian Yeh Scholarship for Lifelong Artists: Through the generous support of her family and friends, Pratt is pleased to offer this merit-based scholarship in memory of Lillian Yeh, who was a passionate and caring member of Pratt's community. Her love for the arts is honored at Pratt through the Lillian Yeh Scholarship for Lifelong Artists, which encourages young adults (aged 18-25) to pursue art-making as a lifelong passion. 

Mary Molyneaux Scholarship for Women (50+): Through the generous support of Mary and Gary Molyneaux, Pratt is pleased to offer a scholarship supporting the continued advancement of professional women artists having 20 years of experience for the purpose of extending an artist's reach by exploring new frontiers in methods, media, and materials. 

Pohlman-Knowles Teen Scholarship (Ongoing): This scholarship was founded by and named in honor of artists Jenny Pohlman and Sabrina Knowles to provide ongoing art opportunities for Seattle’s high school students. Pohlman and Knowles continue to support this scholarship through a donation of art to Pratt’s annual auction. Apply here!

Professional Artist-in-Residence: Flameworking: Pratt Fine Arts Center welcomes a professional artist to explore new materials and processes during a month-long residency in Pratt’s Flameworking Studio. The residency includes access to experienced studio assistants and options to explore other disciplines at Pratt. The Professional Artist-in-Residence Program provides a working artist with a new venue for experimentation and assistance in creative advancement. 

Pratt/Seattle Print Arts Partners Grant: In partnership with Seattle Print Arts (SPA), and to nurture the development of our shared artist community, Pratt is pleased to offer this grant in printmaking specifically for Puget Sound printmakers who are members of Seattle Print Arts. 

Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths Scholarship: In partnership with the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths (SIBS), Pratt Fine Arts Center is pleased to offer the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths Scholarship, an award that provides a variety of educational resources, professional development opportunities, and Pratt studio access to an emerging artist in Washington State. The SIBS Scholarship supports the creation of new work and equips the artist with the tools to advance to the next level in their professional journey. It is available to individuals from a historically marginalized group (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, female, or disabled). 

Webber/Tompkins Scholarship in Glass: The Bryna Webber & Richard Tompkins Scholarship in Glass honors the legacy of these patrons by supporting emerging glass artists who push boundaries and explore new directions in their work. The scholarship empowers recipients through financial support for independent work in Pratt's glass studios and funding for glass classes and workshops, fostering artistic development. This opportunity is open to artists demonstrating a commitment to experimentation. The Webber/Tompkins Family’s generous support reflects their dedication to nurturing the next generation of glass artists.