Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant Program

The Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. The purpose of the award is not to reward past work, but to recognize the applicant best positioned to continue the improvement of their artistic career.

Geographic focus

The applicant must have been a permanent resident in the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region for at least two full years prior to applying, and must plan to maintain permanent residence in the region during the entire grant period.
Eligibility

Please refer to the Eligibility and Terms to determine eligibility.
Grant amount

An award of up to $25,000 will be made annually. Additional grants may also be awarded to finalists.
Previous recipients

2025: Jihye Han of Exeter, NH – sculpture

2024: Aris Moore of Portsmouth, NH – drawing

2023: Shaina Gates of Kittery, ME – sculpture and printmaking

2022: Rick Fox of Kittery, ME – painter

2021: Kate Knox of Dover, NH – mixed media artist

2020: Carl Austin Hyatt of Portsmouth, NH – photographer

2019: Victoria Elbroch of Kittery, ME – painting and drawing

2018: Sachiko Akiyama of Portsmouth, NH – sculpture and printmaking

2017: Cathy McLaurin of Danville, NH – sculpture

2016: Carly Glovinski of Dover, NH – conceptual artist

2015: Cheryle St. Onge of Durham, NH – photographer

2014: Lauren Gillette of York, Maine – conceptual artist

2013: Justin Kirchoff of Eliot, Maine – photographer

2012: Bear Kirkpatrick of Dover, NH – digital media artist

2011: Kim Bernard of Rockland, Maine – kinetic sculpture and installation artist

2010: Gail Spaien of Kittery, Maine – painter and installation artist

2009: Lynn Szymanski of Rollinsford, NH – wood and mixed media furniture and sculpture

2008: Ross Cisneros of Milton, NH – new media

2007: Kirsten Reynolds of Newmarket, NH – installation, sculpture, photography and digital images

2006: Barbara Rita Jenny of Portsmouth, NH – digital print making and installation

2005: Tim Gaudreau of Portsmouth, NH – eco-art

2004: Maureen Mills of Portsmouth, NH – hand thrown and altered stoneware

2003: Katherine Doyle of New Castle, NH – painting and drawing

2002: Gary Haven Smith of Northwood, NH – stone sculpture
Application deadline

Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Previous jurors

Sachiko Akiyama, University of NH, College of Liberal Arts, Sculpture and 2018 AAG recipient

Dana Clancy, Boston University, College of Fine Arts, Painting

Beth Falconer, 3S Artspace

Donna McNeil, Ellis-Beauregard Foundation

Randall Nielsen, Queerlective

Sam Polini, Wrong Brain Art Collective

Amy Sterndale, Small Business Development Center

Devon Zimmerman, Ogunquit Museum of American Art

Application and grant process

Step 1

Learn more about the program and determine eligibility.

Read the eligibility and terms and frequently asked questions. The AAG information session will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Register here for the Zoom link. An in-person application workshop will be held at 3S Artspace. A date will be announced soon. Please rsvp if you plan to attend the in-person workshop by emailing AAG Program Consultant Maria Sillari at zfvyynev14@tznvy.pbz.

Step 2

Prepare your application materials.

Applications are submitted using the online application management system, SlideRoom. It is recommended that you prepare your questions and supporting materials prior to beginning the online application. Review frequently asked questions. Applicants will be able to copy and paste answers into the application.

We are providing an example Advancement Plan. This example is not intended to serve as a rubric or outline. Please use it as guidance as you see fit but do not feel the need to conform to it.

You may go to SlideRoom to create an account anytime. If you have applied in previous years, your account should still be active. All applications must be submitted through SlideRoom.

Step 3

Complete online application.

The AAG Application in SlideRoom will open on February 18, 2026. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Step 4

Receive funding.

If your application was funded, you will be notified no later than August. Funds are generally released in September.

Step 5

Participate in recognition event.

The Charitable Foundation will recognize the AAG recipient and finalists with an exhibit and reception after the award is granted. The reception for the 2025 recipient and finalists will take place at 3S Artspace on June 4, 2026. Please sign up for our newsletter and select Artist Advancement Grant Announcements for further event information.

Step 6

Report.

If selected, you will be asked to submit a brief report six months into the funding period and at the end of the funding period.

Application and grant process

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