A Bold Experiment in Artistic Patronage
What happens when artists are given the freedom to create, unburdened by immediate commercial pressures? The Seattle Prize is a pioneering initiative by the Conru Art Foundation designed to answer this question. We are embarking on a significant experiment: to revive and reimagine the historic tradition of comprehensive artistic patronage for the 21st century.
For too long, many exceptionally talented artists have faced a difficult choice: pursue their deepest artistic visions or focus on work that pays the bills. The kind of "slow art"—art that requires profound thought, extensive development, and masterful execution—often struggles for support in a fast-paced, commercially driven art world. The Seattle Prize challenges this status quo.
We believe that great art, art that speaks to the core of our shared humanity, requires more than just occasional grants. It needs sustained, holistic support. This is why we provide our selected fellows not only with generous stipends but also with dedicated studio space, materials, mentorship, and a collaborative environment. Our aim is to empower these artists to dedicate their energies fully to creating ambitious works that explore timeless themes of beauty, truth, love, and dignity—art created for humanity's enrichment.
This is patronage reimagined. It's a commitment to nurturing artists so they can, in turn, nurture society with creations that inspire, connect, and offer profound meaning. The Seattle Prize is an investment in the belief that art, when deeply supported, can be a powerful force for good in the world.
All works created by the fellows during this program are intended for public enrichment and will be showcased at the ArtLove Salon, a vibrant cultural hub in downtown Seattle. The Seattle Prize is a key initiative of the Conru Art Foundation, and is part of the broader Seattle Atelier community—an ambitious experiment in artistic patronage and collaborative creativity dedicated to fostering art that serves humanity.
Supporting the Creation of Enduring Art
We believe that for artists to create such impactful work they require more than just talent; they need an ecosystem of support. This includes dedicated time, resources, mentorship, and a community that understands the journey.
Dedicated Studios & Creative Environment
Located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square (311 1/2 Occidental Ave S), our purpose-built atelier is more than just studio space. It's an environment meticulously designed for the deep, focused work essential to creating masterworks. Optimal lighting, individual studios, and communal areas foster both intense concentration and vital collaborative energy. The beautifully restored building itself provides an inspiring backdrop for creativity.
Holistic Support & Mentorship
Creating art that truly resonates requires more than technical prowess. Our fellows receive dedicated guidance from visiting mentors and program leaders. This mentorship focuses not only on refining technique but also on developing narrative depth, powerful composition, and a unique artistic voice. We work individually with each artist to brainstorm and shape ideas for their masterworks, ensuring the creative process aligns with their personal vision while pushing them towards ambitious new heights. The cohort itself acts as a catalyst—a supportive community fostering growth through shared learning, constructive critique, and collaboration. And yes, we believe in having some fun along the way!
“Technical skill is foundational, but true masterpieces arise from a profound connection to the work's audience and a deep caring and love for the story being told.” - Andrew Conru
Resources for Uninterrupted Focus
True masterworks cannot be rushed or compromised by daily pressures. Significant stipends are provided to remove market concerns, allowing artists to immerse themselves fully. We also supply necessary materials, arrange for models, and offer logistical support. This frees our fellows to tackle the most ambitious projects of their careers—the kind of art this challenge demands. We see it as a necessary investment – a gift to the public that will enrich our cultural landscape.
Sharing the Works & the Journey
This experiment culminates not just in finished artworks but in a shared experience. The pieces created will debut in our Pioneer Square gallery, showcasing the tangible results of this intensive year of focused creation. Beyond the final exhibition, we are committed to documenting the journey: the dedication, the breakthroughs, the challenges, and the human story behind creating art with purpose. We want the public to connect with the artists and their vision from inception to completion, understanding that these works are created for them and for the enduring value they bring to our shared human experience.
Meet the Team Guiding the Prize
Meet the Instigator
Andrew Conru
Andrew Conru's path has been unconventional – from a small Indiana farm to a Stanford PhD, becoming an internet pioneer more interested in fostering human connection than pure commerce. After tech success, a period of reflection led him to philanthropy. Through the Conru Foundation and now the Conru Art Foundation, he applies his inventive, service-oriented mindset to address societal needs for deeper meaning. An amateur artist himself, he passionately believes in art's power to heal and unite, especially when it pursues Beauty, Truth, and Love with masterful craft. The Seattle Prize is a manifestation of this: an "experiment with love" to nurture artists and explore art's potential to enrich lives. Learn more at conru.com.
Artistic Facilitator
Tenaya Sims
Tenaya Sims brings a rare blend of high-level creative industry experience (Crystal Dynamics, Activision) and deep immersion in classical art traditions (Watts Atelier, apprenticeship with Juliette Aristides). As founder of the Georgetown Atelier and an award-winning artist himself (including ARC Salon Best in Show, exhibitions at Salmagundi Club and MEAM Barcelona), he possesses intimate knowledge of both the demands of ambitious art creation and the Seattle art landscape.
Tenaya isn't just overseeing the program; he's a key part of the experiment. He manages the day-to-day operations and artist support while also undertaking a significant commission as a participating fellow. This dual role provides invaluable peer insight and ensures the program remains grounded in the real challenges and opportunities artists face when striving to create masterworks with meaning.