One of our first columns here at Crafty Living was about the Indiana Arts Commission, which was offering grants to crafters.

For that column, we interviewed Lydia Gerbig Fast, a Fort Wayne-based metalsmith. At the time of the column, the deadline to apply for a grant in several categories, including crafting, was fast approaching.

Gerbig Fast, who has received the grant in years past, has been named a recipient again. This time, she will be "constructing a copper plating/electroforming and etching facility. Copper plating and etching, electroforming of organic forms, and subsequent enameling will be used for the creation of elements in a body of wearable art jewelry to be shown in a solo exhibition at Artifacts Gallery in Broad Ripple, June 24- July 18, 2011," according to a news release from the commission.

Other are grant recipients include:

Dani M. Tippmann of Whitley County for the Folk Arts subcategory. Tippman will use the grant money to "photograph Miami Tribal Elders and Culture Bearers as they teach about the traditional uses of cattails in Miami culture. ...The grant will not only give Dani a better understanding of her Miami heritage, it will give the opportunity for cultural understanding to all of us," the commission said.

In the photography category, John Gevers of Allen County received a grant and will be "attending a Peter Turnley street photography workshop in New York City. He is honing the art of making compelling, storytelling portraits as he continues his work to tell the stories largely of those in our society who live in the margins. He is currently creating a documentary exhibition featuring refugees living in northern Indiana." More information available at this blog.

In the visual arts, Scott Beam of LaGrange County received a grant for "Hope: USO in WWII," marionettes fashioned in the likenesses of performers for troops in World War II in traveling USO Camp Shows.

Click here to see the complete list of 39 recipients from across the state.