The Cedar & Stone Prize for First Nations Artists

Awarded to: Michael Collins Gallaspy 

The inaugural Cedar & Stone Prize has been awarded to Michael Collins Gallaspy in support of The Beaver Charm, a Wyandotte-language literary and artistic initiative. 

The prize will fund illustrations by Wyandotte artists, a Mighty Network for Indigenous language learning, bookstore workshops, a monthly serial publication, and a dedicated project website.

This annual prize is dedicated to supporting Native American language and cultural revitalization projects, ensuring that Indigenous storytelling and artistic expression continue to thrive.

The Malidoma Award for Authentic Spirituality

Awarded to: David Carson 

The inaugural Malidoma Award, named in honor of the great spiritual writer Malidoma Somé, has been awarded to David Carson for his forthcoming book, a handbook for spiritually sensitive people navigating the modern industrialized world. 

This prize recognizes writers whose work explores authentic spirituality, the wisdom of nature, the power of community, and the significance of ritual in contemporary life. By honoring Carson’s work, Stone Literary Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting literature that bridges the ancient and the modern, guiding readers toward deeper connection and meaning.

The Eagle Prize for Black Poets 

Awarded to: Dr. Reelaviolette Botts-Ward 

Dr. Reelaviolette Botts-Ward has been awarded the first-ever Eagle Prize for Black Poets, named after her poem “Eagle,” honoring her late teacher, Toni Brown. 

This prize, awarded annually during Black History Month, will be passed forward each year, with the most recent recipient selecting the next remarkable poet who carries Toni Brown’s legacy forward. To learn more about Toni Brown’s profound impact on poetry, community healing, and artistic mentorship, visit blackwomxnhealing.com/tonibrown. To learn more about Dr. Reelaviolette Botts-Ward’s work, visit blackwomxnhealing.com/reelaviolette.

Community Arts Award

Awarded to: Stevie Rodriguez, Steve Wyreman, Allie Boland, Aaron Thurlow, and Kalei Bougeja

• Stevie Rodriguez has been honored for his dedication to community-building through Flow of Drumming, a drum circle at Feldman’s Books that fosters connection, teaches drumming techniques, and keeps the heartbeat of collective expression alive. 

• Steve Wyreman has been recognized for composing the original soundtrack for You’ll Lose A Good Thing, the feature film made at Feldman’s Books. His music captures the soul of the story, blending sound and narrative into an immersive cinematic experience. 

• Allie Boland has been awarded for her extraordinary work in editing film projects for Feldman’s Books, bringing depth and artistry to visual storytelling and preserving the creative spirit of our community.

• Aaron Thurlow has been awarded for his work on LuDog Records, the vinyl collection he consigns out of Feldman’s Books. Aaron’s infectious passion for vinyl collection and preservation aligns with our mission to celebrate music as a vital cultural and artistic force. His dedication ensures that physical music media remains accessible and cherished in the digital age.

• Kalei Bougeja has been honored for her miniature diorama and beetle taxidermy project—a Kafkaesque tableau of beetles reading classical literature. This truly bizarre and original artistic expression reimagines the literary world through a surreal, entomological lens, blending storytelling, philosophy, and the grotesque in a way that is both unsettling and deeply thought-provoking.

Public Art Grants

Awarded to: Michelle Pentz and Alexander Palmer

• Local artist Michelle Pentz was awarded a grant to create original murals outside Feldman’s Books. Inspired by Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Jack Feldman’s dual passions for ornithology and book collecting, Pentz’s work reflects the intersection of literature, nature, and artistic imagination.

• A grant has been awarded to electrician Alexander Palmer to design and install bespoke lighting fixtures at Feldman’s Books. His work will enhance the shop’s aesthetics, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlights the beauty of our books and gathering space.

Looking Ahead

These awards reflect Stone Literary Foundation’s ongoing dedication to nurturing artistic talent, fostering community, and preserving the power of storytelling across disciplines. We look forward to continuing to support visionary creators and celebrating their contributions to the cultural landscape. 

For updates on future awards, eligibility criteria, and recipient announcements, stay connected with us. If you’d like to support this award series, reach out to us and get involved!