Nancy Ariza

2025 Early-Career Research + Development Grantee | $2,500

Ephemeral Public Art: Mud Stencils for Community Engagement

This grant will support research on the eco-graffiti mud stencil process, focusing on how to incorporate color using environmentally friendly methods, as well as the development of a drop-in art-making model for community engagement.

Nancy Ariza is a printmaker, educator, and arts administrator with over 10 years of experience developing educational arts programs in museums and community-based arts organizations. In 2024 she founded Amilado Press, an artist-centered print studio focused on collaborative publishing and education through traditional and experimental print processes. As an active member of the arts community, Nancy is a board member at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center and is on the Leadership Council of Serpentina Arts, a nonprofit organization supporting Latinx artists in Minnesota. She holds an MA in Education and a BA in Art History and BFA in Printmaking.

Forecast has been offering early-career artist grants supported by Jerome Foundation since 1989. In addition to funding, Forecast is dedicated to providing professional development and learning opportunities designed to assist emerging artists as they experiment/ hone their practices, and cultivate careers in the field. Forecast mid- and early-career grants are designed to support independent projects, leadership development, professional development, risk-taking, multidisciplinary approaches, and collaborative problem-solving in the field of public art.