Humboldt Area Foundation has announced that they are now accepting applications for their Field of Interest Grants. Humboldt Area Foundation's Field of Interest Grant Program was created to connect donors with community projects in their specific areas of interest.

The program brings together a number of funds that focus on specific populations, geographical areas and/or causes. Humboldt Area Foundation invites artists and crafts people to apply to the: Victor Thomas Jacoby Fund, Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund for Historical Photographic Research, Project Grants to Artists, Ruth Marcus Memorial Writing Scholarship, the Redwood Empire Quilters Guild Fund and Lynne and Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists.

The Lynne and Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists was established to provide encouragement and support to adult actors, singers, dancers, comedians and other performing artists in Humboldt County. The selection committee is looking for originality, honesty, talent, passion and inspiration. The maximum award amount is $500.

Peter E. Palmquist is considered one of the most important photo-historians of the 20th century. His emphasis was the American West, California, and Humboldt County before 1950, and the history of women in photography worldwide. The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund for Historical Photographic Research supports the study of under-researched women photographers internationally, past and present, and under-researched Western American photographers before 1900. Awards vary and will be made to independent researchers based on their application.

The Project Grants to Artists (PGA) program was established to create a perpetual source of funding for artists who live and work on the North Coast. All artists and crafts people from the performing, visual, textile, literary and media arts are eligible. Priorities will be given to projects of outstanding artistic merit that engage their communities in the process of the creation of art. Maximum award is $5,000.

Ruth Marcus was a devoted mother, sister and friend and was active in the creative arts from an early age as a radio, TV and film actress, pianist and writer. Ruth Marcus Memorial Writing Scholarship will be awarded to an aspiring writer of any age who will use it for “The Greatest Good” and further his or her individual interest in writing professionally. The maximum award amount is $500.

The Redwood Empire Quilters Guild was established to promote the appreciation and knowledge of quilts; sponsor and support quilting activities and educational meetings. Their Grant/Fellowship was established to encourage interest and activities in the textile arts field by supporting educational opportunities and the cost of supplies. The award amount ranges from $100 to $1,000.

Victor Jacoby, a nationally recognized Eureka visual artist, whose chosen medium was French tapestry, left a substantial bequest to visual artists and craftspeople of Humboldt County. Victor's intention was, in his own words, “to support visual artists and craftspeople, and to encourage the exploration of new ideas, materials, techniques, mediums, images, etc., as well as excellence.” This year, there will be two cash awards in the amount of $10,000.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Nov. 2 by 5 p.m. and submitted to the Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Road, Bayside, 95524. The application may also be emailed to: tonys@hafoundation.org

Award Recipients will be notified by Nov. 30. For details, call Tony Snow at 442-2993. Applications are available online at www.hafoundation.org.