Opportunity to submit for 2024 is CLOSED!

Viyada and Alexx Cheng Education Scholarship

The ISGB is proud to partner with Viyada and Alexx Cheng to present this unique educational opportunity for all ISGB members. Viyada and Alexx currently reside in Thailand where they have run Hell Fire Studios, which made all the Glass Beads for the Pandora jewelry company worldwide. Now retired they are giving back to the world’s lampwork glass community, as well as orphan charities in their region. They have donated to the ISGB education program, where a Scholarship has been set up in their names. They both came from very humble beginnings and feel blessed with the outcome of their life’s work and enjoy sharing their good fortune with the glass community. This incredibly generous couple are amazing examples of humility, generosity and humanity – a level to which we should all aspire.

Scholarship award: (4) $2500 awards. One award per year, 2021-2024, to be used towards a unique, glass beadmaking education experience of your choosing.

Possible experiences could be taking a unique class, a research project to learn a new technique or possibly a trip anywhere in the world to work with a master. The world is yours to explore! Scholarship money could be applied towards airfare, class fees, hotel, meals, tools, visas, among other things. Note: this award may not cover all costs of your proposed adventure but it is intended to help.

Submission Details:

The Essay

Applicants are required to submit a minimum two-page essay using a font no smaller than 10 points and one-inch margins. First and foremost, your essay should help the scholarship committee get to know you and your proposed education experience with cost details outlined. Further, when your trip is over, we want to hear how you intend to pay it forward.

Please address the following in your essay:

How long have you been working in glass?
Where do you find inspiration for creating new bead designs?
What do you attribute to your skill development?
What do you consider your greatest achievements?
Reference the images you submit (see below) in describing your work.
If there is financial need that you would like us to consider, include a statement of one or two sentences that supplies the scholarship committee with any pertinent information.
How long have you been a member of the ISGB and in what ways have you been involved in this organization? Volunteer work? Donations?
Please explain different opportunities you might be interested in pursuing if awarded this scholarship. 1st choice, 2nd choice, travel expenses, place to stay, etc.
How do you expect to benefit from your proposal? What designs or techniques do you plan to explore during your proposed adventure?
When your trip is over, what do you hope to return to the beadmaking community from your experience?

Images:

Applicants are required to submit images of their glasswork, following these guidelines:
Four (4) images representing the scope of your work must be submitted.

Please use the following format to choose images of your work to submit with this application:

These images should be high resolution (300 dpi or 1600 pixels) and must have sharp focus and proper exposure, as the scholarship committee will be looking closely at the technical proficiency, construction, and craftsmanship of your work. The scholarship committee will also consider creative use of materials, as well as innovation in style and concept of your work.
Please label each image in numerical order with your name using the format: “01_Last Name, First name.jpg,”
Images must be in JPG format, and should be a maximum size of 1MB.

Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities:

Coordinate expenses with ISGB up to a maximum of $2500.
Prepare a live or filmed presentation and/or write and submit an article (500 word minimum) about your adventure (including photos) for ISGB use.
Donate one piece created as a result of your proposed experience to the ISGB to be auctioned off in a fundraiser.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be in good standing with 3 years of continuous Membership at the time of application.
Applicants may not have been the recipient of any scholarships, awards or grants from the ISGB (or associated organizations partnering with the ISGB) in the past 3 years

The Fine Print

Deadline to submit your proposal is March 1st of each year, 2021-2024. The member awarded this scholarship will be notified by April 1st of the same year (these dates are subject to change)..

Applicants who are not receiving a scholarship will also be notified by April 1st.
In the event that the recipient does not fulfill his/her obligation, the ISGB will revoke the scholarship award and stipend.
This award is non-transferable in part or whole.
This award cannot be postponed or awarded in part or whole.
If the recipient cannot meet the obligations of the scholarship, the scholarship will not be reassigned.
This award must be used within 12 months of the winner announcement. In 2021 we will make an exception due to possible Covid travel restrictions and the period will be extended to 24 months.
The ISGB reserves the right to not award this scholarship if we do not receive entries judged as acceptable.
If your essay fits the criteria, you may be requested to discuss your ideas further with the committee prior to the scholarship being awarded.

Please Submit your Essay and images HERE

Submit Essay and 4 Images of your work

no late submissions will be accepted

Deadline March 1, 2024 11:00pm Eastern