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.