Putnam, Owen County artists among twelve to receive micro-support grants to support creative careers

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM

By Staff report

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced that 12 Indiana artists have received micro-support grants through the Work In Progress Exchange Labs program.

The Work In Progress Exchange Lab Micro-Support Grant Program is a competitive grant program providing funding of between $250 - $1,000 to support a current project connected to Exchange Lab discussions, topics, or an artist’s individual practice. Applications are evaluated based on artistic vision and project alignment, project management and planning, and community benefit and career development.

Work In Progress Exchange Labs are in-person convenings for artists of all disciplines to gather to discuss topics of interest pertaining to creatives such as the status of current projects and their creative practices and careers. Attendees exchange strategies and resources with their creative peers and connect with local arts leaders to support the completion of projects that advance their creative careers in Indiana. Work In Progress Exchange Labs are free to attend and are regionally based. Artists who participate in at least one Exchange Lab meeting are eligible to apply to the Work In Progress Exchange Labs Micro-Support Grant.

Katie Wood, a jewelry artist from Putnam County, will utilize the Work In Progress Exchange Lab Micro-Support Grant to acquire a Quick Form Press, an all-in-one tool for shaping metal. The tool will allow Wood to create eyeglass frames from an heirloom platter, using thin, concave metal to securely hold the lenses. This tool will allow Wood to expand and grow her business’ offerings.

The micro-support grant recipients include:

Carl James Johnson, Putnam County

Connie Wagner, Putnam County

Jennifer Johnson, Putnam County

Katie Wood, Putnam County

Lavinia Hale, Putnam County

Phoebe Scott, Owen County

Rachel L Curtis, Putnam County

Work In Progress Exchange Labs take place monthly in five different areas of the state. Artists and creative entrepreneurs who attend at least one Exchange Lab are eligible to apply for the Micro-Support Grant. Applications for the next cycle of the program will open in September.