Gratitude isn’t always easy. It often shows up right when life feels heaviest, pushing its way in quietly, stubbornly, and persistently. When circumstances test our patience or stretch our limits, gratitude becomes less about looking on the proverbial bright side and more about grounding ourselves in what’s still steady, meaningful, or sustaining. And sometimes, the smallest moments of appreciation are the ones that carry us the farthest.
The Mudhouse Residency 2026 Full Fellowship offers two weeks of free housing, studio space, and meals for two artists, selected by merit. Highly competitive. Separate application required. Visit the website for more information. Deadline is January 1.
Now in its twentieth year, the Aperture Portfolio Prize highlights emerging photographers, awarding publication, cash prizes, and a group exhibition, plus global exposure across Aperture’s platforms for all five finalists. For more details, visit the website. Deadline is January 9.
Good Hart Artist Residency invites applications for a private 10–21 day Lake Michigan residency with studio access, supplies, meals, $500 stipend, scenic solitude, community engagement, and a $1,000 childcare grant for one parent artist. Offsite stays are two weeks. Learn more at the website Deadline is January 13.
Praxis Center understands that not every moment of life – or an art world career – is filled with unyielding gratitude. We know there’s struggle and setback, and we are here for all of it. Because we also know that in among those challenges, there are moments of glowing success and deep thankfulness, and it’s these that make it all worthwhile.