Amber Caron Receives Utah Artist Fellowship

Associate Professor Amber Caron has recently received a 2026 Utah Artist Fellowship. Selected by out-of-state, nationally renowned arts professionals, Utah Artist Fellowships are $5,000 awards that recognize the careers of Utah artists demonstrating exceptional creativity in their fields.  

Amber calls the fellowship a game changer. After receiving the news at the beginning of summer, she was able to use part of the funding for research trips and a writing residency.

“It was the most productive and fun writing summer I’ve had in a long time, and I think a lot of that has to do with this fellowship and the gift of time and space it afforded me,” Amber reflects.

Poet and essayist Lia Purpura judged this year's fellowship. “I have been such a huge fan of her work for years. I remember where I was sitting when I read her wonderful essay collection On Looking,” Amber says. “Knowing that she saw something valuable in my work was exciting.”

Amber is currently working on a new book project which explores themes of sibling relationships, granite quarries, and quiet spaces. 

“Being at the beginning of a new project can be both exciting and terrifying,” Amber notes. “Knowing that Lia and the whole crew at the Utah Division of Arts & Museums saw something valuable in the project gave me the acknowledgment and support I needed at exactly the right moment. I am so grateful to them.”