Amanda Wentz | 2026 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient
- The Sunset Project
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Earlier this month, The Sunset Project was honored to announce Amanda Wentz of Alpena, Michigan, as one of nine Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipients for 2026!
Amanda is a fashion design student inspired by styles and artists from around the world and focusing on creating her own line of designs for the upcoming Threads Fashion Show at Central Michigan University.
We recently sat down with Amanda to discuss her unique story, why she applied for this year's grant cycle, and what she hopes to use the funding for.
Hey Amanda, can you quickly introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
My name is Amanda Wentz. I'm from Alpena, Michigan, and my creative pursuit is fashion design.
How would you describe your creative interest to someone unfamiliar with it?
Fashion design encompasses the process of designing and creating clothing.
What initially inspired your interest in this space?
I've been inspired by many different fashion styles and artists across the globe.
What's one of your most memorable experiences or milestones from your creative journey?
A memorable experience from my creative journey was when I finished sewing my first dress and put it on for the first time.
How have challenges or setbacks helped shape your creative process?
The schools in my district didn't have much to offer as far as the arts went, so I didn't get to explore and grow as much as some other peers while growing.
How do you envision your creative interest evolving over the next year?
Over the next year, I plan to fully design and create my own collection for CMU's Threads Fashion Show.
How do you plan to utilize your grant funding to further your creative interest, journey, and process?
I plan to use my grant money to buy supplies such as sewing machines to give my work a professional quality.
Do you have any advice to share with someone looking to pursue their own creative interests?
Make sure you never give up, and don't let anyone dissuade you from your passions.
Are there any social media profiles, websites, or other resources where our readers can follow your journey and support your work?
Not currently.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about The Sunset Project, or your experience in the Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant program thus far?
The Sunset Project can help me get my hands on some high-quality sewing equipment, which will help me make my dreams a reality.
Comments