Larry Van Craeynest "Master Your Craft" Scholarship

For centuries, the mentor and apprentice learning model has paved the way for the development of exceptional craftspeople. Larry Van Craeynest of Van Craeynest, Inc. understood and believed in the importance of this model.

The co-founder of Metal Arts Academy, Michael R. Kosinski, began his apprenticeship at Van Craeynest when he was 18 years old. He studied under Larry and many other talented craftsmen at the factory as an apprentice. Michael is one of the many fortunate people who benefited from Larry’s guidance and passion for the craft, and it helped shape Michael into the artist and teacher he is today. 

Larry was not only skilled in fine jewelry fabrication, but he was also a talented woodworker and tool and die maker.  

“Larry insisted on improving your skills and holding your standards high. There were no shortcuts.” -Michael R. Kosinski

Sadly, Larry passed away earlier this year.

As a small step toward continuing Larry’s legacy of mastering your craft with hard work, repetition, passion, and the support of mentors, we created the Larry Van Craeynest “Master Your Craft” Scholarship.

This scholarship will be awarded to two undergraduate students currently studying jewelry fabrication, woodworking, or the metal arts. Other fields of study are not eligible.

The only requirement is that you are currently working on mastering a craft and are seeking out training from mentors and teachers. Keeping the tradition of skills and knowledge being passed down is our goal. We are reaching to the past and teaching for the future of the craft.

While not required, it’s a plus if you submit a few images of your work along with the application essay.