From Enamel to Excellence: Catherine Grisez’s Established Artist Grant Journey

2023 SMG Established Artist Grant recipient, Catherine Grisez

In a recent conversation with Seattle artist, Catherine Grisez, we explored the impact of receiving the Seattle Metals Guild’s Established Artist Grant—and the thoughtful, intentional approach that led to her success. Grisez shared both personal insights and practical tips to inspire fellow makers navigating the world of grant applications.

Aligning Opportunity and Intention

Grisez's path to the Established Artist Grant was anything but accidental. After first learning about the grant through Seattle Metals Guild emails and newsletters, she applied for the second time—this time aligning it with a timely invitation to participate in the Project Mesh residency, a weeklong, enamel-focused workshop held at Pocosin Arts in Columbia, NC. The synchronicity of project readiness and financial need became the perfect moment to apply, resulting in a successful grant award that enabled her participation in the residency.

What the Grant Made Possible

The grant funded Grisez’s travel and participation in the Project Mesh residency, which brought together a dozen enamelists of varying experience for a week of shared learning, experimentation, and creative exchange. She entered with a clear technical challenge in mind and left with a deeper appreciation for collaborative problem-solving and inspiration for future directions. While she entered the experience with pressure to create presentable work, Grisez emphasized the value of embracing failure and experimentation—a perspective that will inform her practice moving forward.

Tips for a Strong Grant Application

Throughout the conversation, Grisez offered thoughtful advice on assembling a compelling grant package:

1. Clarity Over Complexity

Avoid art jargon. Write your artist statement and project proposal in straightforward language. Jurors are often reviewing many applications—clarity helps your work and goals stand out.

2. Portfolio with Purpose

Choose recent work that reflects your technical ability and artistic direction. Grisez emphasized showing cohesion and relevance—especially when your proposal centers on a specific medium, like enameling.

3. Edit, Then Edit Again

Start with a free-flow draft, sleep on it, then trim and refine. Grisez even uses tools like ChatGPT to tighten language while maintaining her voice. She also seeks feedback from her peers for especially complex applications.

4. Keep the CV Focused

Limit to two pages. Include education, notable solo and group exhibitions, awards, and selected publications—prioritizing what's relevant to your current goals.

5. Be Ready with a Real Project

Apply when you have a specific opportunity that aligns with the grant. Grisez stressed that applications with a tangible and time-sensitive purpose are more compelling than vague intentions.

Looking Ahead

As the Seattle Metals Guild continues to support makers through grants and community programs, stories like Catherine’s illuminate the powerful impact of thoughtful funding and creative momentum. The Established Artist Grant application is now available online, through August 31st, 2025.

Established Artist Grant

Now Accepting Applications

The Seattle Metals Guild (SMG) is proud to announce the call for applications for the 2025 Established Artist Grant, a program designed to celebrate and support mid-to-late career metal artists who demonstrate a sustained dedication to their craft. Applications are being accepted now, through August 31st.

About the Grant

The Established Artist Grant is awarded to an established artist, which is defined as the following:

• Participated in five or more exhibitions or 

• Featured in five or more industry publications

The award recipient will receive the following:

• $2500 for artistic development

• Complementary registration at the 2025 Northwest Jewelry & Metals Symposium (10/4/2025) whether in person or online

• An opportunity to share your work at our Symposium

• A solo case in the SMG Biennial Exhibition (2027)

• A feature in the SMG newsletter and social media

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must satisfy the following:

• Be an “established artist” as defined above

• Be a current member of the Seattle Metals Guild

• Be a resident of Washington state

• Have not been a previous Established Artist Grant recipient

Applicants will be asked to provide a current CV, artist statement, images of recent work, and responses to several brief questions about their creative path and studio practice.

Selection Process

A panel of peer jurors—composed of respected artists and arts professionals—will review the applications and select one grant recipient based on artistic excellence/merit and artistic visions/goals. The awardee will be notified in late September and announced publicly at the 2025 Northwest Jewelry & Metals Symposium and on SMG’s website and social media.

Why This Grant Matters

The SMG Established Artist Grant reflects our commitment to supporting artists throughout all stages of their careers. While emerging and student-focused opportunities abound, we recognize the value of sustaining creative practices over the long term—and the unique challenges that come with that. This grant aims to honor the perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted engagement that experienced artists bring to the metals community.

We encourage all eligible artists to apply and look forward to celebrating another year of exceptional talent in our field.

How To Apply

The Established Artist Grant application is now available online, through August 31st, 2025.

Please Donate Items to our Silent Auction

Great News! It’s that time again to grab your box of old tools and neat stuff to drop off for the silent auction! We are looking forward to a festive Guild Fest at Pratt Fine Arts Center!

It’s an exciting time to pass on all the old tools and cool stuff you’ve been meaning to do something with... Pass it on to someone who will put it to good use and raise some funds for the Guild at the same time!

Our Silent Auction is the main fundraising event for the Seattle Metals Guild, helping to fund artists' grants, events, and our annual Symposium. With your donation of tools (new or used,) stones, equipment, materials, jewelry, funky objects that you think are great, and jewelry-related items.

We are looking for really cool things that jewelers, artists, and metalsmiths would totally get into arm wrestling fights and bidding wars over! Perhaps these items would mean little to most 'normal' people, but we know a good thing when we see it!

(We will respectfully decline items like magazines or unrelated books and materials.)

Please contact Jennifer Stenhouse with any special drop-off arrangements or questions:

Re:“Attention Silent Auction” to jenniferstenhouse.metal@gmail.com

OUR DROP-OFF DEADLINE IS Saturday June 2nd!

Donations may be dropped off May 17th through June 2nd at the following times and locations:

Baleen Store, in Ballard

Hand-carry-sized items or packages only, please

Store hours everyday between 10-5pm

6418 20th Ave NW Seattle, 98107

-OR-

Stenhouse Studio, in Ballard

Larger donations and drop-offs by appointment only

Email jennniferstenhouse.metal@gmail.com to arrange your delivery

-OR-

Side Rail Collective, in Georgetown

By appointment only

Email Christen Coomer at president@seattlemetalsguild.org to arrange your delivery

Each donation item should include:

• Donor’s name
• Artist's name
• The description of item
• Fun facts, contents, materials, etc.
• Fair market value

SMG Mentorship Applications are Open!

SMG is excited to announce the first offering of the SMG Mentorship Program! This program is intended to provide one-on-one experiences between experienced professionals (mentors) and their mentees, facilitating learning with a personalized learning approach*. With this pilot, we hope to gain learnings so that we can continue to evolve the program for future cohorts.

Applications are open through the end of March, 2025 to SMG members for mentee positions in our summer cohort. Applications for mentors have been extended one week, through April 5th, 2025. Once closed, the applications will be reviewed for suitability and skillset requested, with applicants notified in May. The amount of accepted mentors and mentees will be limited for this specific cohort (June - August) to allow for close evaluation, mentorship, success and improvements..

• Mentors possess the desire to teach, proficiency in of one or more metalsmithing skillset to be taught over the course of the mentorship, and availability to meet with their mentees and the Mentorship Committee during the June - August timeframe (frequency TBD).

• Mentees have an interest in learning specigic metalsmith skills (technical or business-related). as well as availability to meet with their mentors and the Mentorship Committee during the June - August timeframe (frequency TBD).

We are super excited about the potential of this new guild offering and hope that you will be a part of it, either as a mentor or a mentee.

If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to Laney Clark, Mentorship Committee Chair, at: vp@seattlemetalsguild.org.

*NOTE:

1. You must be a member of the Seattle Metals Guild to apply and participate. Join today: Become a Member of the Guild

2. This pilot program is intended to be a mentorship, not an apprenticeship nor internship.

• A mentorship is a version of job shadowing at the highest level. Mentor programs are meant to connect individuals who obtain a specific skill and knowledge with another individual who wants to learn those skills from a professional.

• An Apprenticeship is a formal employment program where an individual attends classes to complete a certificate or degree for a particular trade or career path.

Philanthropy Focus: Diamonds for Peace

Diamonds for Peace (DfP) is a non-profit, voluntary organization which aims to support artisanal and small-scale diamond mining in rural Liberia. Established in 2014, DfP aims to improve the working conditions and social status of the workers in the diamond supply chain, as well as promote ethics and fairness in the diamond industry.

They carry out their mission through 3 main outlets: raising scientific awareness in these communities otherwise prone to superstition supporting self-reliance within local miners and artisans emergency assistance in times of need.

Workshops are held for local miners to teach prospecting best-practices as well as dispel myths regarding the sources, composition, and sustainable practices regarding diamonds. In addition, DfP teaches these community members about competitive pricing and fair market value, as it is common for workers to earn less than $2/day for diamonds that are sold for magnitudes more in the marketplace. There are also initiatives to improve the health of the communities, through education regarding public sanitation and providing facilities for personal hygiene.

DfP has recently kicked off an initiative in regard to fighting climate change. Many of DfP’s projects are based in Liberia, home to the Guinean Forest of West Africa, a vital ecosystem that supports biodiversity and mitigates climate change. For just $12, you can help DfP plant a tree in Liberia, fight against climate change and protect a precious ecosystem. In addition, your donation will enable artisanal miners to increase their income through sustainable forestry practices (e.g. growing seedlings, regular watering, and the produce they can grow), thereby helping them to obtain legal mining licenses to sell their diamonds on the legitimate market. This will not only reduce illegal mining and diamond smuggling but also provide a more sustainable livelihood for miners and their families. All donors will receive a personalized tree certificate and a photo of their planted tree. As a special thank you, donors who contribute 20 trees (USD240) or more will have their name placed on a small plaque at the planting site

If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or just learning more, please visit their website or reach out to Guild Board Member and DfP Volunteer, Amy Hsieh. There are a variety of volunteer positions that can take place remotely.

Announcing 2024 Emerging Artist Grant Recipient, Ayesha Mohyuddin

The Seattle Metals Guild Board of Directors is pleased to announce Guild member Ayesha Mohyuddin as the recipient of this year’s Emerging Artist Grant.

Guild Member Ayesha Mohyuddin is a contemporary jewelry artist who explores identity, spirituality, and ways of knowing through body-related objects. Ayesha is excited by the histories contained in the materials she uses, from metal and stone, to fruit and salt. Her recent work combines food, the tools of the kitchen, and the format of jewelry to physically express the complexities of home, history, and identity.

Born and raised in Tennessee, Ayesha received her MFA in Jewelry & Metalsmithing from Rhode Island School of Design, and her BFA in Sculpture from Washington University in St. Louis.

Knowledge Taweez, 2021
This amulet contains a calligraphic black seed cookie stamped with the Quranic prayer “My Lord, grant me knowledge.” If I grate this cookie over my food, will that prayer be answered? Will I become smarter?

Ayesha is excited by the histories contained in the materials she uses, from metal and stone, to fruit and salt. Her recent work combines food, the tools of the kitchen, and the format of jewelry to physically express the complexities of home, history, and identity.

Wudu Washes Away Sins, 2021.  
Salt is deeply sensorial material. It “sweats” when touched, flavors the air when carved, dries my skin, and alters my tools. And it is ephemeral, and eventually will dissolve away in water. As these bracelets are designed to be worn when ritually washing the arms before Islamic prayer, the intricately carved salt will eventually dissolve away.

The items below, crafted from silk, carved and laser-cut Ataulfo mango, and beaded ruby, evoke a lineage of memories.

Abujee, Kashkul, 2022.
The mango evokes so much for me. Its vivid shape, taste, smell, and stickiness conjured, through the immediacy of eating, a lineage of memories and an inexplicable closeness to my father, who passed away in 2016.

Below, elements of a familiar Black Orchid-themed plate are carved in soapstone, enabling Ayesha to transform any surface into this plate that symbolizes her experience of home.

Looming Large, Overflowing and Flowing Over, 2023.

The Corelle brand Black Orchid plate is entangled with memories of my mother’s care. The pattern looms large in my memory. By carving each element in soapstone, I can transform any surface into this plate that symbolizes my experience of home.

To expand the feeling of home, I must, as Sara Ahmad writes, “over flow and flow over.” With the weight of a carved marble plate where the pattern from the Corelle Black Orchid is pierced away, I extrude shondesh from beneath the plate. It fills and overflows the negative spaces cut into the marble, extending beyond even my pattern of home.

Congratulations, Ayesha on your 2024 Seattle Metals Guild Emerging Artist Grant award.

For more information about Ayesha Mohyuddin, visit her website at https://www.ayeshamohyuddin.com or follow her at https://www.instagram.com/ayeshasafajewelry

The Board would like to thank this year’s Grant Selection Committee for their hard work in selecting a recipient from this year’s talented set of applicants.

Many thanks to
Kim Harrell, President of the Colorado Association of Metalsmiths
Adam Atkinson, Artist, Metalsmith & Teacher
Sally Brock, Artist, Jeweler, and Owner of Fancy in Seattle.

The 2024 Emerging Artist Grant Selection Committee

Kim Harrell is an award-winning silversmith & goldsmith, as well as an educator and curator. She graduated from London Metropolitan University, Sir John Cass School of Art, with the American equivalent of an MFA,in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts. Kim was born in Denver, CO and currently resides in Aurora, CO where she runs her studio and teaches at The Art Students League of Denver & Metropolitan State University in Denver.  Kim is has been President of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association (CoMA) since 2020 and will finish her second term in 2025.

Kim’s work is in private and corporate collections in the USA and Europe.  The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art in Denver, now part of the Denver Art Museum,  acquired a set of her silver sculptural spoons that are currently on display in the Sculpture section.

Adam Atkinson (he/they) is a metalsmith, curator, and educator. Atkinson received an MFA in Metal Design at East Carolina University in 2019, and a BFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Practices at Boise State University in 2013. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally including Boone Art and History Museum, Nagoya Zokei University, Nagoya, Japan, among others. They have been awarded numerous residencies including the Emerging Artist Residency at the Baltimore Jewelry Center and the three-year residency at Penland School of Craft. They teach widely across the United States.

Sally Brock Founded Fancy in 2002, a Seattle based company focused on producing high quality, modern jewelry that is 100% handmade using ethically sourced materials.

Member Exhibition

From Wave to Shining Wave: A celebration of Phillip Baldwin and Shining Wave Metals

A 2025 Seattle Metals Guild Exhibition

The Seattle Metals Guild will be hosting an Exhibition to honor Phillip Baldwin and his contributions to the world of metalsmithing. Phillip was an extraordinary metalsmith, master of Mokume-gane, and long-term member of the Guild.

To register your work in this Members’ show, visit our submission form today!

Our deadline has been extended!
Submissions are due May 23rd, 2025.

DETAILS

Each piece in the show will feature Mokume-gane and/or bi-metal materials, whether commercially made or handmade.

Layne Goldsmith, Phillip’s wife, has graciously offered to sell Phillip’s extraordinary Mokume-gane materials, produced as Shining Wave Metals, to Guild members at its wholesale price in support of this show.

Be sure to check out this article of tips for working with Mokume Gane, authored by Guild member Stephanie Benson.

To register your work in this Members’ show, visit our submission form today! Submissions Due May 23rd, 2025.

The Journey Beyond the Grant

Images from Michelle's award-winning 2022 application

Insights from Michelle Lierre’s Experience as Our 2022 Emerging Artist Grant Recipient

Navigating the path of an emerging artist can be both thrilling and challenging. For those applying for the Seattle Metals Guild Emerging Artist Grant this year, gaining insights from past recipients can provide invaluable guidance. We had the pleasure of discussing this with Michelle Lierre, our 2022 grant recipient, who has since made significant strides in her career. Michelle's journey is a testament to the transformative power of the grant and offers practical advice for this year’s applicants.

How the Grant Made a Difference

For Michelle, the 2022 Emerging Artist Grant was a game-changer. "The grant provided crucial support that allowed me to build a sustainable business plan," she reflects. Initially, Michelle was uncertain about her qualifications, given her early career achievements and online visibility. However, the grant facilitated a pivotal shift in her career trajectory.

With the financial support, Michelle was able to pursue specialized education in fine jewelry making. She used the funds to train with Emily Marquis in Connecticut, where she honed her skills in designing and fabricating complicated ring settings. Michelle defined her goals for the week’s lessons and Emily provided the custom framework and hands-on education. "The in-person training was invaluable," Michelle says. "It deepened my understanding of complex techniques in ring design, soldering, and stone setting, which are essential for creating high-quality jewelry."

Evolving Artistic Practice and Recent Accomplishments

Since receiving the grant, Michelle’s practice has evolved considerably. Her success with gold engagement and wedding rings has paved the way for further growth. "I’ve continued to build on the skills and knowledge gained from the grant. My business now generates the capital enabling me to start working in gold," she notes.

Among her achievements is also being awarded the Jewel Fund from the Jewellers Academy, with whom she has also recorded two online filigree courses in London, expanding her educational contributions to the field. The beginning filigree class is available as a stand-alone course and the other on making filigree in gold is available as part of the third year curriculum in the Advanced Jewellery Diploma where Michelle continues to help mentor students in the yearly program.

Some of Michelle’s success can also be attributed to her prior and ongoing innovative contributions to the field. In collaboration with Lion Punch Forge, she has created filigree tools - first for her own testing and use - and then for other jewelers. Their titanium soldering stencils facilitate the repeat construction of delicate filigree work with a solid frame that doesn’t sink heat away from the work. 

Michelle continues to design and create stencil sets, each one taking at least six months to prototype and refine before their release. An article entitled “A Filigree Revolution” by Melissa Muir features Michelle’s work in this area and is slated for release in this month’s issue of MJSA Journal.

Pursuing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges

Michelle's journey reflects a blend of perseverance and adaptability. Despite the challenges, she has embraced numerous opportunities. She is currently working on a "Dissent Collar" for the MJSA design challenge, inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her ambition extends to creating innovative filigree pieces in gold, such as a mechanically functional window locket, or a tiny spiral staircase.

Her advice to emerging artists is to embrace the application process for grants and other opportunities, even if the outcome isn’t immediate success. "The process itself is a valuable learning experience," Michelle asserts. "It teaches you to present yourself and your work effectively. Additionally, you can repurpose parts of your application for other opportunities."

Looking Forward: Future Goals and Aspirations

Michelle’s aspirations are diverse and ambitious. She is designing a system of efficiency that will allow her to offer a wholesale line consisting of one-of-a-kind filigree pieces. Eventually, she hopes to take part in the Melee wholesale trade show in Tucson, where fine jewelry is offered to wholesalers. 

Michelle also hopes to expand her educational offerings. "In the future I would love to build on the foundation of the filigree courses I filmed with Jewellers Academy and teach more advanced classes on fabricating three dimensional filigree." she shares. She also aims to apply for the Center for Cultural Innovation’s Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Fund to perhaps acquire a microscope and GRS Benchmate work holder, crucial for her ergonomic needs and long-term sustainability in the field.

Final Thoughts for Aspiring Applicants

Michelle's journey highlights the importance of leveraging opportunities and continuously evolving as an artist. For this year’s applicants, she offers these final words of encouragement: "Stay true to your vision and be open to learning and adapting. The grant can provide a significant boost, but it’s your dedication and passion that will drive your success."

In summary, Michelle’s experience underscores the impact of the Emerging Artist Grant on both professional development and personal growth. By understanding her journey and applying her insights, this year's applicants can better navigate their own paths to success, turning challenges into opportunities and passion into achievement.

Thanks to Michelle Lierre of Lierre Filigree (@lierreworks) for sharing images from her 2022 grant application and her story with us. You can apply for our 2024 Emerging Artist Grant today, due August 31st 2024.

The Future of Apprenticeships

Guild member, jeweler, educator, and author Nanz Aalund recently spoke with the Seattle Metals Guild as part of our 2024 lecture series, to introduce the national apprenticeship program she’s developed in partnership with MJSA, the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America. 

The Mentor Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is designed to leverage national legislation which funds professional development across multiple trades. The program has been recognized as a new national “gold standard” for professional development apprenticeship programs in the jewelry field, thanks to the rigorous research and development that Nanz and team have both undertaken and leveraged to design it.  

In addition to providing the structure and guidance for both apprentice and mentor to succeed, this program is on a near-term path to providing access to federal funding, to help offset costs in the form of tax write-offs for mentors’ businesses when they employ apprentices. Your participation in the program will help make this possible. 

A return on investment for apprenticeship employers has been found to be favorable, at $1.50 earned for every $1 spent. Apprentices often choose to take ongoing employment with their mentors, remaining with them as employees for up to five years or more.

The program offers certification upon completion, enabling new trainees to establish themselves in the field. Certification is recognized nationally, and provides credentials to recipients such that they may earn a professional wage when employed as a bench jeweler or related specialist in the field.

To participate in the program, a prospective apprentice should locate a mentor or mentors available to support them locally. Arrangements can take many forms, though work performed for the mentor must always be paid, per federal law. Additionally, participation requires MJSA membership, which as of this writing costs $150 per year.

To complete the program, apprentices must demonstrate technical proficiency across a broad array of techniques including fabrication, spot laser welding, and computer-based 3D design. This is done by successfully completing seventeen selected projects which are all documented in two of the most widely available books on technical procedures for metalsmiths: “Professional Jewelry Making” by Alan Revere and “The Complete Metalsmith” by Tim McCreight. Substitute projects which demonstrate these proficiencies may also be accepted. The program is supported with detailed documentation and is estimated to take one to three years to complete.

A leadership committee of professionals has been established to review apprenticeship results and provide a certificate of completion.

Future developments for the program may include preliminary high school and follow-on “journeyor” versions of the curriculum and certification.

To learn more, and to join the organization and its program, visit MJSA.