The Oregon Arts Commission announced 13 Career Opportunity Grants awards totaling $17,786 in this year’s second round of competitive grants. The Career Opportunity Grants program may be used by Oregon artists to support opportunities and activities that enable them to advance their work or the presentation of their work both in and outside the state.

Christine Clark, OCAC metals department head, received $1,500 to support expanded marketing strategies for her metal, jewelry and sculptural work through the development and use of a new website and software.
Heidi Schwegler, metals faculty, received $1,500 to support travel to two visual artist residencies and exhibitions, the Beijing International Artist Platform and the Nes Residency in Iceland.

The Oregon Arts Commission also recently awarded Christine Clark and Heidi Schwegler with 2010 Individual Artist Fellowships. The OAC Fellowship Program honors Oregon’s professional artists and their artistic achievements and supports their efforts to advance their careers. In selecting artists to receive the $3,000 Fellowships, the Commission looks to Oregon artists of outstanding talent, demonstrated ability and commitment to the creation of new work. A review panel of artists and arts professionals considered 82 applicants on the basis of the quality of the applicant’s work, their sustained professional achievement, and potential for future contribution to the field. Thirteen were chosen to receive the award.