ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Michael Crespo Visual Artist Fellowship was created by former Arts Council CEO, the late Derek Gordon, and is funded by the Saurage family. The $5,000 Fellowship commemorates the life, work, and dedication of Michael Crespo. Crespo is an internationally recognized painter and longtime professor at Louisiana State University. It recognizes the quality and breadth of work by a visual artist who has established their personal and professional life as a long-time contributing member of the Baton Rouge community.

Crespo maintained an exceptional professional career while staying deeply rooted in the Baton Rouge community. A member of the LSU faculty for nearly 40 years, he received the university's Distinguished Faculty Award in 1999 and an endowed Alumni Professorship in 2000. Beloved for putting his students first, he was known for selflessly sharing his advice and expertise. He will always be remembered as someone who brought together interesting, talented, and diverse individuals, helping to weave them into the fabric of the Baton Rouge arts community. Michael Crespo remains a shining example of the kind of artist this Fellowship is intended to support and celebrate.

ELIGIBILITY

Artists eligible for consideration must be residents of East Baton Rouge Parish and have maintained that residency for a minimum of 20 consecutive years. Candidates must have maintained an active professional career acknowledged locally, nationally, and/or internationally through reviews, awards, exhibitions, and other indicators of artistic excellence.

Candidates must also be active members of the Baton Rouge community and have demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life in Baton Rouge.

The Fellowship is awarded annually through nominations made by a group of distinguished cultural advisors designated by the Arts Council. Nominees are unaware they are being considered, and the recipient is announced each January at the Arts Council's Laurel Street Palooza Celebration.