Photo courtesy The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists.

The following was submitted by Bitsie Chick Mimsie Coleman.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund) is inviting Greater New Haven artists to apply for its 2019 grants.

The Bitsie Fund was recently created to honor Francis “Bitsie” Clark. Clark was the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven for 20 years, one of the founders of the Audubon Arts District, and a driving force in establishing the arts as an important economic industry in the region.

The Fund was founded by five women who were Clark's proteges at various times: Mimsie Coleman, Robin Golden, Barbara Lamb, Betty Monz and Maryann Ott. Proudly calling themselves the Bitsie Chicks, they are working in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, which manages the Fund.

Many of Clark's most meaningful actions at the Arts Council stemmed from her interactions with people who sought her advice. As she nurtured individual artists and gave counsel to arts organizations, she often inspired them to forge creative partnerships. The Bitsie Fund aims to do the same. It will enrich the Greater New Haven community by investing in artists from every art discipline (including visual, performing, literary and film), who will work in tandem with a non-profit organization that will provide institutional support.

The Bitsie Fund awarded its first grant to the artist/printmaker and teacher, Barbara Harder, and to her collaborative partner, Creative Arts Workshop. It was presented at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven's 38th Annual Arts Awards ceremony in December, 2018. The 2019 awards will be presented at the same annual event in December.

For information about the Bitsie Fund, and for grant applications, visit the fund's website.