When one thinks of typically funded undergraduate research projects from an institution of higher learning, science and math are topicsthat might traditionally come to mind. But a well-devised proposal by Meagan Chaney, an art major at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, convinced the research committee at her college to consider art from a research perspective. She was awarded a research stipend that afforded her an opportunity to attend a one-week glass fusing class at Arrowmont, including travel expenses, costs to document the class, and resources to continue glass fusing after returning to school-a subject currently not offered through Meredith's regular curriculum.

Chaney spent a considerable amount of time preparing the proposal and selecting where she wanted to go and for what medium, and, much to her surprise, it paid off. "I was very excited when I received my award notification! It gave me the chance to do something that I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise," said Chaney, a senior pursuing her B.A. in art with a concentration in sculpture and ceramics.

"But I was just as excited that I was going to be able to come back and share what I learned," she explains. Following her classroom experience, Meagan continues to utilize the techniques she learned at Arrowmont in her work. Also, she is collaborating with her sculpture professor, Lisa Pearce, to produce a piece for exhibition, as well as planning for a glass fusing demonstration and workshop. The research may also serve as a springboard for a potential honors thesis topic to be completed in spring of 2003. Chaney hopes that by her receiving research funds, other art students at her school will be encouraged to apply. After graduation, she plans to apply for artist assistantships and residency programs (including Arrowmont!) at different artist communities across the United States.