Sixty-four inspiring and accomplished artists working in all disciplines throughout Washington State are being recognized as recipients of the Arts Innovator Award and Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) through Artist Trust, a close Centrum residency partner. 

Artist Trust also announced today the recipients of the first "Arts Innovator" awards, which gives $25,000  to two generative artists who are originating new work, experimenting with new ideas, taking risks and pushing the boundaries in their respective fields. These winners were:

Leo Berk, who creates works relating to real and depicted or imagined space using diverse materials in contemporary industrial processes, including computer modeled and fabricated artworks. Berk has used this technology extensively including exploring Naj Tunich, an ancient cave in Guatemala, and the Quecreek Mine in Pennsylvania. Through his innovative use of technology, Berk is able to create works of art depicting the negative space of these caves. Berk has spent six years learning to use this technology, effectively making it an extension of his own hand and expanding his vocabulary. He is represented by Lawrimore Project.

Margie Livingston, an accomplished painter, who explores the physicality of paint. Using it as a sculptural medium, she creates works that straddle two disciplines. Using acrylic paint, Livingston pours and layers pigment to create her own unique three-dimensional material. She then uses this material to create sculptural works of art that reveal an intimate relationship with her medium. Livingston is represented by Greg Kucera Gallery.

The GAP Awards (learn more here!) also awarded a total of $90,000 to 62 artists of all disciplines across Washington. GAPs provide up to $1,500 for projects which can include (but are not limited to) the development, completion or presentation of new work. Projects ranged from time off to finish a novel, studio repairs, travel across the state, safety equipment and website development–the sum result is a consistent investment in supporting and encouraging artists' projects in order to enrich community life throughout our state.