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.
Please tell us a bit about you and your craft in jewelry fabrication, woodworking, or the metal arts. What is the craft you are mastering and why? How did you discover it? What challenges are you encountering? What are your goals for the future, and in what areas could you use help?
The application deadline is Apr 30, 2021. Winners will be announced on May 30, 2021.
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The scholarship award is $1,000.
The winner will be publicly announced on May 30, 2021. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
We will send the award check to the winner’s academic institution in their name, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to verify their academic enrollment status by providing a copy of their most recent transcript.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.