CFAs: Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation invites applications for the Eliza Moore Fellowship, awarding $10,000 to an early-career artist creating works related to plants, gardens, or landscapes. Fellows gain residency access, resources, mentorship, and opportunities to explore the 700-acre estate and rare book library, with funding supporting travel, materials, and project expenses.

Program Overview

The Eliza Moore Fellowship supports early-career artists developing new works that engage with the natural world, garden culture, plant history, sustainable land management, botanical art, or the role of plants in human well-being.

Fellowship Focus Areas

• Artistic engagement with plants, gardens, and landscapes

• Exploration of botanical art and garden culture

• Sustainable land management and ecological practices

• Connection of artistic practice to human well-being and environmental understanding

Fellowship Benefits

• Grant Amount: $10,000 for travel, materials, supplies, and project expenses

• Accommodation: Private bedroom and bathroom in shared housing

• Travel: Ground transport provided from Dulles International Airport to the estate

• Resources: Access to a 700-acre landscape and rare book library with 19,000+ objects

• Mentorship: Opportunities to engage with foundation staff and other residents

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be early-career artists (not enrolled in undergraduate programs in 2027)

• Demonstrate a professional track record with exhibitions, publications, performances, grants, residencies, or similar recognition

• Not be considered established or late-career (extensive solo exhibitions or large published works disqualify)

• Be self-directed, independent, and able to work on-site

• Demonstrate clear connection to nature, artistic promise, and strong communication skills

Residency Details

• Duration: Sessions vary, some limited to 3 weeks

• 2027 Start Dates: March 1, April 25, May 24, July 12, August 29, October 4

• Fellows participate in residency alongside other artists, scholars, and conservation practitioners

• Optional engagement with community events and foundation activities

How to Apply

1. Submit a single application via the Oak Spring application portal (closes May 31, 2026)

2. Include:

   • Résumé or CV (max 2 pages)

   • Artistic practice statement (200–300 words)

   • Statement connecting work to the foundation’s mission (200–300 words)

   • Relevant work samples, tailored to the applicant’s discipline

3. Select residency/fellowship programs for consideration in a single submission

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed through a multi-round process by staff, alumni, and external jurors. Selection is based on:

• Alignment with the foundation’s mission

• Applicant’s potential and promise

• Quality and relevance of work samples

Note: Individual feedback is not provided to unsuccessful applicants.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate a clear link between your art and the natural world

• Highlight early-career achievements without extensive prior solo exhibitions

• Show commitment to self-directed, site-based practice

• Provide high-quality, discipline-relevant work samples

• Emphasize how your project aligns with the foundation’s conservation and artistic mission

Conclusion

The Eliza Moore Fellowship provides early-career artists with funding, residency resources, and mentorship to create innovative works that engage with plants, gardens, and landscapes. This unique opportunity allows recipients to explore nature, history, and sustainability while developing their artistic practice in a collaborative, resource-rich environment.