Avery Bates | 2026 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient
Back in August, The Sunset Project was honored to announce Avery Bates of Alpena, Michigan, as one of nine Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipients for 2026!
Avery is a mixed-media visual artist working across mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, and videography, turning ideas, experiences, and emotions into visual stories.
We recently sat down with Avery to discuss her unique story, why she applied for this year's grant cycle, and what she hopes to use the funding for.
Hey Avery, can you quickly introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
My name is Avery Bates, and I am from Alpena, Michigan. My creative pursuits include drawing, painting, videography, and photography. I enjoy exploring different visual mediums as a way to express my creativity and experiences. Through my work, I am able to experiment with different forms of visual storytelling and find new ways to communicate ideas and emotions.
How would you describe your creative interest to someone unfamiliar with it?
I would describe my creative work as a way of turning ideas, experiences, and emotions into something visual. I enjoy working across different mediums because each one offers a unique way to experiment and tell a story. Whether I am painting a photo, capturing a moment, or building something through video, I use these mediums to explore how visual art can communicate feelings and perspectives that are sometimes difficult to express through words alone.
What initially inspired your interest in this space?
There isn’t one specific person who inspired me to pursue art. My love for creating came naturally, as I have always enjoyed making things and expressing myself through art. My family and friends have also played a big role in my creative journey by supporting and encouraging me along the way. Having people around me who believe in my work has motivated me to continue creating, challenge myself, and grow as an artist. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
What's one of your most memorable experiences or milestones from your creative journey?
One of the most recent and memorable experiences I’ve had was creating art for my senior class this year. It was such a rewarding experience to be able to contribute something meaningful and bring everyone together through my art. Being able to share my work with so many people while also growing my audience was truly remarkable. It made me realize how far I’ve come as an artist and it was a reminder to continue creating and sharing my work with others.
How have challenges or setbacks helped shape your creative process?
Challenges and setbacks have taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes or trying something that doesn't work the way I expected. Art is a process, and not every piece has turned out exactly how I imagined it. Instead of letting that discourage me, I have learned to use those experiences as opportunities to grow and improve. They have helped me become more patient and open-minded with my work.
How do you envision your creative interest evolving over the next year?
Over the next year, I hope to continue developing my artistic skills and experimenting with different forms of art. I want to become more confident in my photography and video work while exploring new ways to combine different creative mediums. I also hope to create more work that feels personal and meaningful to me and others. Most importantly, I want to continue challenging myself, taking creative risks, and discovering where my creativity can take me.
How do you plan to utilize your grant funding to further your creative interest, journey, and process?
I plan to use the grant funding to purchase supplies and equipment that will help me continue developing my work. Having access to better materials and tools will allow me to experiment with new ideas and techniques. I hope to use the funding to create more photography and video projects alongside my traditional artwork. This support will give me the opportunity to invest in my creativity and continue growing as an artist.
Do you have any advice to share with someone looking to pursue their own creative interests?
My biggest piece of advice is to just start creating and not worry about whether your work is perfect. It is easy to compare yourself to other artists, but everyone's creative journey is different. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, try new things, and create something that is truly your own. Most importantly, keep doing what you love, because your creativity can take you places you never expected.
Are there any social media profiles, websites, or other resources where our readers can follow your journey and support your work?
I am continuing to build my presence online and share more of my creative work. You can find me on Instagram (@abatesart) and my online portfolio (abates.portfoliobox.net) I hope to use my platforms to share my art as I continue creating. I would love for people to follow along and see how my work develops over time!
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