Alumni Success – Isabella Cilia

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By Liz Smith, Associate Chair | Associate Professor of Art, Ceramics »

Isabella Cilia
Alumni BFA –  Painting  2019

Isabella has remained active in the field since graduation, below she describes her professional activities in her own words.

Opportunity: Leroy Neimen Ox-Bow Fellowship, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist Residency
Year: 2019
Brief Description: I was selected to participate in the Ox-Bow fellowship program which accepts 10 fellows from partnering schools, and two from non-partnering schools; I was one of two artists from non-partnering schools. This opportunity was three months long, included a free two week workshop, access to facilities, visiting artists, and studio visits with established artists and curators, mostly from Chicago. This residency was fully funded with an additional work-study stipend.

Opportunity: Clare Hart DeGoyler Memorial Fund Grant, Dallas Museum of Art
Year: 2019
Brief Description: This grant is available only to Texas residents through the Dallas Museum of Art. I was awarded $1500 to pay for shipping and supplies during my residency at Ox-Bow.

Opportunity: Production Assistant, Spring/Break Art Fair
Year: 2020
Brief Description: I received a stipend of $500 to work as a production assistant for the Spring/Break art fair. Extremely long days, assisting with nitty/gritty and race-against-the-clock tasks in preparation for and during the fair. We were a team of 12 people putting on a fair of over 120 booths.

Opportunity: Offer of 50% Scholarship Vermont Studio Center, Vermont Studio Center
Year: 2020
Brief Description: I was offered a 50% scholarship to attend the Vermont Studio Center residency. Even with the 50% scholarship it was too expensive, so I declined.

Opportunity: Work-Study Scholarship, NYC Crit Club
Year: 2020
Brief Description: During the pandemic I applied for a work study scholarship with this crit group. I did some admin work for one of the founders of the club and I was able to take part in it for free. The work shop was run by Rose Nestler, an established fibers artist in nyc, and at the end two guest critics were invited to review our work.

Opportunity: Programming and Exhibitions Fellow, Wassaic Project
Year: 2021-2022
Brief Description: I am currently the programming and exhibitions fellow at Wassaic Project in upstate New York. I was awarded a private room in a house, a private studio, as well as a monthly stipend. I assist in supporting the residency and exhibitions programs, have the opportunity to engage with visiting artists, curators, critics, as well as our own fabulous residents. This fellowship is 9 months; I have been here since November.