We are delighted to highlight that Seacoast artist and PMAC teaching artist Aris Moore has been awarded the 2024 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. This annual $25,000 grant is one of the largest unrestricted grants awarded to a single artist in the country, and promotes the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople in the Piscataqua Region.
For Moore, winning the Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant offers invaluable opportunities. “Winning this grant will allow me more time in the studio,” Moore shares. “It will enable me to explore larger works, and offer me the time to apply to residencies and galleries. I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity to slow down and explore more freely with less anxiety about time and money. Such an incredible gift.” The grant will also help Moore realize her vision of organizing a local artist group, where artists can gather, share, inspire, and support one another: “It is my experience that community is one of the greatest supports for artistic growth.”
Moore’s work explores contradictions of strength and vulnerability, attraction and repulsion, to create beings that are at once awkward and unbelievable yet familiar. Her drawings are inspired by her childhood connections with animals, finding sincerity and comfort in these relationships.
As a teaching artist at PMAC for more than 11 years, Aris Moore teaches private lessons to students ranging in age from 8 to adult. Having artists like Aris on staff allows PMAC students to learn directly from creative professionals actively shaping the Seacoast arts landscape. The entire PMAC team is delighted to see Aris being recognized with such a meaningful achievement, and we are proud to have her as part of our community, where her talent and creativity inspire students and fellow artists alike.
Moore extends her heartfelt gratitude to several people who have supported her on this journey: PMAC CEO Russ Grazier, for informing her about the grant; her twins, August and Owen, who inspire everything; her cat, Theo, for love and friendship; and her partner, Greg Bennett, for his support, understanding, and belief in her. She also expresses deep appreciation for her friends Marybeth Clark, Shelly Leiber, and Drew Dipasquale for their input, encouragement and patience. Above all, she is profoundly grateful to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for their generosity and belief in and support of her work.
This recognition is not only a milestone in Moore’s career but also a celebration of the vibrant and supportive arts community in the Seacoast region. The Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant represents a commitment to fostering the artistic spirit and growth of local artists.
For more information about Aris Moore’s work, visit https://arismoore.bigcartel.com/. To learn more about the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, visit https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/artist-advancement-grant-program/.
