Main Street Community Foundation held its second grant cycle for the Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund in which three grants were awarded to three Bristol-based artists to further their artistic growth.

Lisa Corson, a mixed-media fiber artist, was awarded a grant of $2,025 to support her artistic expansion into pottery by attending workshops. Tina Fusco, is an acrylic painter who was awarded $1,000 to purchase supplies as she transitions her business to be inventory-based. Lastly, Josh Therriault is a filmmaker from Bristol who shoots and produces short narrative films, stop motion animations, documentaries and music videos. He was awarded a $10,000 grant to support film festival submission costs and marketing materials of his first feature-length documentary film, In Hines Sight, about a Waterbury-based artist named Francis Hines whose work was found in a dumpster and reclaimed.

The Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund was established by bequest upon Louise’s passing in January 2023. The Fund supports Bristol-area artists through stipends to help further their creativity, explore their talent, or expand their learning. Louise was a valued member of many organizations and associations over the course of her career in the museum industry and arts community, and this Fund continues her joy and passion for art while inspiring and supporting established artists.

To date, MSCF has awarded $23,025 from the Fund to five local artists. The next grant cycle for the Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund at MSCF will open in fall 2026. Requests will be considered from established artists who reside in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. To learn more about the application process, guidelines, and eligibility criteria, visit www.mainstreetfoundation.org/apply-for-grant or contact Whitney Shufelt, Director of Grants & Programs, at whitney@mainstreetfoundation.org or 860.583.6363 ext. 152.