The call came in from an unfamiliar number, and the voice on the other end said, “Hi, how are you doing this morning?” I immediately suspected a robocall and didn’t even answer, expecting the recorded script to continue by offering me an extended auto warranty or a low-interest loan. When the silence stretched out, I finally asked, sharply, “Who’s calling?”

That’s when the conversation took an unexpected turn. “This is Sydney from the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation. I’m calling to tell you that you’ve won a $10,000 Victor Thomas Jacoby Award!”

Having been turned down twice before for this coveted and prestigious grant, I had not expected anything different from my latest application, so I was stunned. I managed an apology for my awkward initial response and gave profuse thanks. After I hung up, I broke out in celebratory wolf howls, confusing the dog.

The 2022 Jacoby Awards, which were announced today, honor Humboldt County artists for their vision and creativity. Winners are encouraged to explore new ideas, materials, techniques and mediums.

In my application, titled “Torn Together: Japanese-Inspired Collage with Haiku,” I explained my plans to make my collages more personal. Among other approaches, I aim to introduce more materials that have autobiographical significance like old letters, children’s drawings and family photos.

I concluded, “I can imagine how delicious it would feel to have permission to develop my art without financial pressures or expected outcomes. The grant would allow me to engage fully in joyful and curious exploration, to allow one idea to spark another. There’s no telling what can arise from creative play!”

Winning this award really is a dream come true. The money is of course extremely welcome. But I also deeply appreciate the award as a form of recognition of my work as an artist. My thanks to the jury of local leaders in the arts, and congratulations to the other 2022 Jacoby Award recipients!

For years my husband Paul has joked about an imaginary JBYY Foundation that gives grants “Just Because You’re You.” With no reporting requirements or deliverables, the Jacoby grant is the closest thing I know to that fantasy. Deepest thanks to the late Victor Jacoby, a French tapestry artist, for his vision in establishing this trust to support his fellow Humboldt County artists. And I look forward to sharing what emerges.

P.S. I had an amazing time in the Galápagos Islands last week and am now writing to you from Quito, Ecuador! There is much to tell, but I’ll save that for another time. I do have someone filling orders while I’m traveling, so order away.

The haiku “tendrils of fog” was previously published in Frogpond and in On Down the Road: Haiku Society of America Members’ Anthology 2017.

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Makino Studios News

Free shipping through Saturday: Just for newsletter subscribers and followers, I’ve set up promo code JINGLE for free US shipping with no minimums through this Saturday, Dec. 17. The US Postal Service advises that for first-class packages to arrive by Dec. 25, they should be shipped by this Saturday. Enter the code at checkout.

Made in Humboldt fair: The “Made in Humboldt” event at Pierson Garden Shop in Eureka, CA runs through Friday, Dec. 24. This is the only fair where you can buy my calendars, books, prints and boxed notecards this season. There are 250 participating vendors, all local.

Calendars: 2023 mini-calendars of art and haiku make great gifts and the recipients will remember your thoughtfulness all year long!

Books: Water and Stone: Ten Years of Art and Haiku makes another meaningful present. The fourth printing includes excerpts from the gracious reviews and judges’ comments.

Cards: Holiday, birthday, sympathy or everyday… there is a Makino Studios card for every occasion. I also offer four different notecard sets.