“Natural history education, especially place-based education that gives people a direct connection with and knowledge of the places in which they live, is more important now than ever before.” – Mary Kiesau

We are pleased to announce the Mary Kiesau Community Fellowship Fund. This fund supports the independent projects of artists, photographers, naturalists, and naturalist educators working to further their own creativity, professional development, and the community’s connection to the land, art, and each other. The application period is open from January 31 to March 31, 2021.

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Through generous donations to the fund from Mary’s community of friends, family, and loved ones, we will offer 2 awards in the amount of $1,000 each in 2021.

Artists, photographers, naturalists, and naturalist educators are invited to apply for the Fellowship. These funds are designed to support your “field” work and ultimately the creation of artistic works and knowledge that can be shared with your community.

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Mary Kiesau was a woman of extraordinary energy and drive. This fellowship will fund projects that honor Mary’s legacy and align with her values and artistic passions:

-Living in harmony and balance with the earth and its finite resources. Being observant, interested in, and connected with the natural world in order to gain a deep appreciation for the place one calls home. Helping to create a strong, resilient, and enlightened community that is composed of the Methow flora, fauna, and people.

Before applying, we recommend spending time reviewing Mary’s work and values at her website mountainkindnaturalist.com.

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There will be two stages of applicant review:

1) Application, Portfolio, Artist & Impact Statements review. 2) Finalist in-person or virtual interview.

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CONTACT/INFO: Submit your application to MaryKiesauFellowship@gmail.com. IMPORTANT DATES: Application Deadline: Midnight, March 31, 2021. Panel Review and Finalist Interviews: April 2021. Award Announcement: May 1, 2021 50% of award paid at this time. Funding Period: May 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021. Final Report Due: February 1, 2022. Upon receipt of the final report, final 50% payment will be issued.