Award & Grant Recipients
Indiana State Fair Soybean Art Competition
Last year the Indiana Soybean Alliance celebrated “The Art and Nature of Fun” theme during the 2024 Indiana State Fair and hosted an art competition in partnership with the Brooks Lamb Foundation for the Arts in Lebanon, Indiana. This competition was open to artists 18 years and older who are residents of Indiana. Each entrant submitted one (1) or two (2) works, which were original in concept and execution, using soybeans in their piece. This included, but was not limited to soybeans, soybean crayons, soy wax, soy fabric. Artists were encouraged to get creative with their use of soybeans in their piece.
Beginning in 2023 we have partnered with Debra Collier's School of Dance to sponsor annual scholarships to students in need. Each scholarship is $500 and covers tuition for the upcoming season. Applicants submit a short video where they share why they are passionate about dance, along with two letters of recommendation to be considered. Scholarships are awarded to students with financial needs or compelling hardships to provide assistance in their creative exploration. Debra Collier’s School of Dance has a special connection to Brooks as she was the niece of Deb and Joe Collier, whom she would stay with in the summers while participating in dance camps. They cherished having her joyful personality in their camps and love that they have the honor of sharing these scholarships in her memory.
In 2022 we presented Wynter Rhoads, the Foundation’s 1st donor recipient, with a charitable donation. Wynter was presented this contribution at the Cultural Arts Gallery which was a showcase of her personal work. Wynter is in her final year at IU’s Herron School of Art and Design. Her passion for the Arts is evident in her work, and we are supportive of her continued path in Arts.
“I met Ed and Kim when they came into my job to frame some artwork for their daughter, Brooks. It felt more than a coincidence that I was working that night, as I am an artist too. Like many students, I do not have the funds to pay my way through college, so it takes working as much as I can. I am also able to afford my tuition thanks to the gratitude of donors such as the Lamb’s. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Brooks, I can tell just how special she was through her artwork, even at a young age. I am beyond grateful for the contribution and have nothing but good wishes for the family and the Brooks Lamb Foundation.” - Wynter Rhoads
