NEWS AND STORIES
Behind every scholarship, residency, and grant is an artist whose life and career have been transformed by access and opportunity
Why Stories Matter
Numbers tell us what we've accomplished—dollars awarded, scholarships funded, artists supported. But stories tell us why it matters.
Stories aren't just heartwarming anecdotes. They're evidence of what becomes possible when barriers are removed, when networks open up, when someone believes in you and invests in your potential.
Every story here represents transformation—not just in artistic practice, but in how artists see themselves, their possibilities, and their place in the creative world.
FEATURED STORIES
artist story
Afro-Surrealism and Black Liberation: Meet Visual Artist Marie-José
Inglewood-based artist Marie-José uses surrealism, mixed media, and Nigerian heritage to reimagine the Black femme experience and challenge the boundaries of Black liberation through their internationally exhibited work.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What Artists Say About CTF
Belaynesh Downs-Reeve
My experience with CTF at Anderson Ranch was truly transformative. I arrived feeling nervous, unfamiliar with woodworking and unsure of what to expect in a workshop environment, but I was immediately welcomed. The change in scenery, incredible food, and comfortable accommodations kept me inspired throughout my stay. I made meaningful connections with fellow students and instructors, and even discovered a new passion for bending wood—something I’m excited to explore in future projects. I’m deeply grateful for the generosity and the opportunity to be part of such a special experience.
What Supporters Say About CTF
Alison Croney Moses
I’ve known Corey and Annie for years, and I’m happy to support Crafting the Future. I just came back from teaching at Anderson Ranch where I had the opportunity to have a number of CTF participants in my class. It was one of the best teaching experiences I’ve had. I also value the annual partnership between CTF and the Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts in Boston that brings their students to craft schools throughout the country.
What Partners Say About CTF
artworxLA
Crafting the Future's grant revitalized our after-school programming by connecting us with artists like London James, whose ceramic shoe workshops elevated materials quality and student engagement while deepening our understanding of craft education. This support enabled us to provide students with intentional, hands-on experiences that sparked pride in their work and inspired expanded programming for future seasons.
— Raúl Flores, Interim Executive Director, and Carlos Eduardo Gacharná, Youth Development Specialist
MEDIA AND PRESS
Coverage of CTF in the news, press releases about our programs and impact, and features in publications highlighting our work and the artists we support.
Recent Press Coverage:
SHARE YOUR STORY
Are You Part of the CTF Community?
If you're a scholarship recipient, resident, grant recipient, volunteer, supporter, or partner, we want to hear from you.
Your story—whether it's about how a scholarship changed your trajectory, how volunteering connected you to meaningful work, or how supporting CTF aligns with your values—matters. Your voice adds to the collective narrative of what we're building together.
Share your experience by emailing communications@craftingthefuture.org
