Haystack’s Artist Grant Initiative (AGI) program provides an opportunity for emerging and early-career artists to expand their practice and develop connections with other craft practitioners.

Haystack is thrilled to share the 2026 Artist Grant Initiative cohort: Jaden Estes Carlson (she/her), Annika Earley (she/they), Will Grimm (he/him), Alejandra Salinas Pérez (she/her), Angelique Scott (she/her), Liza Stout (she/her), Alvaro Villa (he/him), and Haniel Wides (they/them).

Each of the eight awardees is granted $10,000 in unrestricted funds and participates in both group and individual online mentorship sessions. The 2026 AGI mentors are Malene Djenaba Barnett and Susie Ganch, who will lead sessions dedicated to portfolio reviews, group work critiques, and topics including goal setting, professional practice, and network development.

Eight square headshots with artist names below set against a cedar shingle background.

Past participants in Haystack’s endowed and partner Fellowships since 2018 were invited to apply for the opportunity last spring. Thanks to the 2026 AGI jurors Bryana Bibbs and Michael Velliquette, the second group of AGI artists reflects the ethos of the School by pushing the boundaries of craft in their respective practices.

Bibbs shared, “It was an honor to spend time with each of these artists’ work and to hear how being part of the Haystack community will continue to transform their practices. I’m so grateful to have served as a juror alongside Michael in selecting this incredible cohort, and I look forward to seeing the work this cohort will develop.” Velliquette added, "It was a pleasure to see the work of so many emerging craft artists. The strength of the applicant pool made the selection process difficult, but as a fellow maker, I found it incredibly encouraging. It was truly an honor to spend time with their work."

“It was an honor to spend time with each of these artists’ work and to hear how being part of the Haystack community will continue to transform their practices.”

— Bryana Bibbs, 2026 AGI Juror

As part of the program, the cohort collaborates on a capstone project that documents and celebrates the evolution of their practice throughout. The capstone will be featured on Hyperallergic, an online art publication, and on Haystack’s website and YouTube channel. Keep an eye out for the capstone in March 2027!

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Two Person Workers Gown, Liza Stout, 2025; cherry, tampico fibers; 106 in. x 63 in. x 38 in.

Border Choker, Alejandra Salinas Perez, 2017; copper, brass; 38 cm. x 10.16 cm. x 5 cm.

In Common / In Contrast, Jaden Estes Carlson, 2025; terra cotta, terra sigillata, underglaze, glaze; 15 in. x 7 in. x 7 in. (vessels); 8 in. x 8 in. x 2.5 in. (wall-hanging).