Educational Programs
The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen take great pride in its variety of educational programs which continues the study, practice and continuing excellence in design and techniques of handcrafts. We have monthly programs, offer a Mini-Grant to 4 members yearly, give cash awards to art and craft students annually, and we extend mentoring opportunities to our members and local students.
(Member) Mini-Grants
The Guild awards four Mini-Grants of $50 each year, chosen randomly from applications submitted, to members in good standing who wish to continue their education. Mini-Grants may also be used to explore new areas of interest. The Guild is deeply committed to encouraging each member’s pursuit of excellence and growth. Download the mini-grant application (doc) »
Student Awards
The Stanley G. Seltz Student Awards Program (in collaboration with the Berks County Intermediate Unit’s High School Arts & Crafts Exhibit) offers cash awards to students who exemplify high levels of design mastery and use of materials. The Guild also extends an open invitation to students of all ages to exhibit and sell their work in its Student Gallery at the Holiday Fine Art and Craft Festival. A prestigious ‘Best in Show’ cash award is given to one student at each show as voted upon by the exhibitors themselves. Individual mentoring is available and advice generously offered to any student who wishes to learn more about how to improve and/or promote his or her craft. View the award guidelines
Memorial Awards (presented during the Student Award Ceremony)
Click the icons below to learn more about these special members who we memorialize through awards.
Our 2023 Award Winners
As part of the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen’s Stanley G. Seltz Student Award Program, the following awards were presented at the 2023 Berks County Intermediate Unit’s High School Art & Craft Exhibit ceremony which was held at the GoggleWorks in March.
Burkhart-Gerhart Family Award
Natalie Fernandez, Tulpehocken
Ruthanne Hartung Award pen and ink
Bella Dzikowski, Brandywine Heights
Wib Lauter Award for Traditional Design
Madisyn Schwartz, Schuylkill Valley
Hedwig Miller Fiber Award
Elizabeth Springer, Twin Valley
Stanely G Seltz Award Outstanding Achievement
Gracyn (Asher) Stones, Schuylkill Valley
Richard Loeper Memorial Award
Mason Pollock, Oley Valley
1st-Fine Art-Color Drawing
Natalie Riccitelli, Wilson
2nd Fine Art Pencil
Ambar Rivera, Muhlenberg
3rd Fine Art Watercolor
Daiverlyn Gomez-Mejia, Reading High
4th Fine Art Color Drawing
Lauren Goldman, Twin Valley
1st Crafts pottery
Grace Rice, Kutztown
2nd Crafts quilling
Hannah Wilson, Tulpehocken
3rd Crafts Basketry
Rihab Belkouteb, Wyomissing
4th Crafts Pottery
Nathan Sargent, Boyertown
1st Digital Design
Stephen Cortez, Reading-Muhlenberg Tech
2nd Digital Design
Juan Ramirez-Albino, Reading-Muhlenberg Tech
3rd Digital Design
Jennifer Le, Wyomissing
Award of Merit
Caelyn Storms, Antietam
Award of Merit
Leah Malone, Conrad Weiser
Award of Merit
Mia Davis, Daniel Boone
Demonstrations
Guild members are also encouraged to demonstrate their craft during shows and to interact with the public as much as possible. Demonstrations by Guild members which are of interest to children are particularly appreciated.
Donations
Donations to benefit the Guild’s educational programs are tax deductible. Checks may be remitted to THE READING-BERKS GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN, P.O. Box 85, Mohnton, PA 19540. Download the donation form (doc) »