The Tallichet Freedman Foundation (TTFF) has a big heart. The Ridgewood-based organization understands that there’s a broader cultural appreciation for art’s role in our society today and is helping local makers explore new avenues for recognition and community connection.

TTFF has been supporting and strengthening Ridgewood’s diverse arts community and encouraging folks to keep making art – while recognizing the financial barriers and systemic challenges that many creatives face, especially those working outside traditional art world structures, like galleries.

An artwork from Amelia Heintzelman. Photo courtesy of Walter Wlodarczyk/The Museum of Modern Art

Indeed, talented makers of all stripes across Queens have been contributing to their own communities, and to our society’s well-being, in a big way! But their struggles are real: Financial instability and administrative burdens can take a toll, leading to burnout. But a balanced artistic lifestyle, focused on maximizing productive periods, really makes a difference…along with a little “bump” of helpful cash.

A work of art from Anne Hart. Photo courtesy of Anne Hart
Kyra Gregory’s Nightly Routine. Photo courtesy of Kyra Gregory

Several lucky, hardworking Ridgewood creatives will be getting a little help from their friends at TTFF through unrestricted microgrants and a strong creative network, including filmed studio interviews, gatherings, exhibitions and more.

An artwork from Maira Senise. Photo courtesy of Maira Senise

The 2026 microgrant cycle is open! Apply today for a $3,000 microgrant that TTFF will award to 10 visual artists who live and/or work in Ridgewood (11385 zip code). Each selected artist will also participate in a filmed studio interview produced by TTFF, to document their work and practice. Applications close on Oct. 29 at 10 p.m. (Applicants notified: January 2027). Click here to apply.

For more information: microgrants page and FAQ.
Art from Nickolas Calabrese. Photo courtesy of Nickolas Calabrese

“Our microgrant program has no age restrictions and we support artists at different points in their careers, whether they’re just starting out, have been working for decades, have gallery representation or are working independently,” TTFF’s Director Sabrina Lessard told QNS. “Those working outside traditional art world structures may not have access to established gallery representation, commercial opportunities or institutional networks that often provide visibility and financial support. TTFF’s program is not limited to these artists, but they’re especially interested in reaching those who may be overlooked by these systems.”

An artwork from Andrew Ross. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ross

Grantees get help through direct financial assistance and community-based programming, which includes “Stone’s Throw” – TTFF’s upcoming exhibition featuring artists from their first two microgrant cycles (Fall 2024/Spring 2025).

An artwork from Monte Marin. Photo courtesy of Monte Marin
An artwork from Lillian Ansell. Photo courtesy of Lillian Ansell

Don’t miss captivating works by twenty visual artists* from Ridgewood. Hosted by Lorimoto Gallery (16-23 Hancock St., Ridgewood), the show will run from Nov. 2-15 and will be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 12 to 6 p.m. Stop by and experience a thought-provoking, collective portrait of that unique, vibrant neighborhood – showcasing sculpture, drawing, painting, photography, performance and design. Opening reception: Monday, Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. A panel discussion and performance will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. – hosted by writer, curator and educator Sara Nadal-Melsió.

An artwork from Emily Janowick. Photo courtesy of Emily Janowick
An artwork from Steven Bukowski. Photo courtesy of Daniel Cochran

*Lillian Ansell, Steven Bukowski, Nickolas Calabrese, Marilla Cubberley, Hillary Gabryel, Kyra Gregory, Apolline Guillerot-Malick, Anne Hart, Amelia Heintzelman, Michelle Im, Maite Iribarren Vázquez, Emily Janowick, Monte Marin, Devin Osorio, TJ Proechel, Andrew Ross, Maíra Senise, Jeanette Spicer, Alina Tenser and Sarah Trigg. At the time of their grant awards, all lived or worked in Ridgewood, and most continue to do so today.

An artwork from Maite Iribarren Vázquez. Photo courtesy of Kunning Huang

“TTFF’s support is very meaningful to me. Receiving the microgrant came at a time when I needed to invest in materials crucial to my large-scale sculptural practice,”  Fall 2024 Grantee Hilliary Gabryel said. “And I’m thrilled to be a part of what’s going to be a great show!”

One of Hilliary Gabryel’s art pieces. Photo courtesy of Ben Heyer

“The idea for ‘Stone’s Throw’ grew out of our microgrant program. We’re now in our fourth cycle, and with each round we’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the artists selected by our independent selection committee, their work and their relationship to the neighborhood,” TTFF Founder and Director Jude Tallichet said. “All 20 artists have a connection to Ridgewood, but what becomes interesting when you bring their work together, are the relationships that emerge between different practices, materials and ideas. We’re excited to explore those connections and share the artists’ work with our community. We were able to produce this exhibition with support from the Statewide Community Regrant program, administered by Flushing Town Hall, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.”

One of the artworks from Michelle Im. Photo courtesy of John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Kohler Co.

These lucky grantees also weighed in:

“Support for artists is so needed right now, more than ever! It’s not just a financial form of support – it’s also building a community here in Ridgewood, specifically, but also among working artists in general, who are trying to survive the affordability crisis we are in. I’ve been in NYC since 1996, and Ridgewood for over 10 years, and have never experienced conditions so bad,” Fall 2024 Grantee Sarah Trigg said. “TTFF was my first monetary grant award despite applying for dozens throughout the years. It became a crucial steppingstone.”

One of Sarah Trigg’s artworks. Photo courtesy of Sarah Trigg

“I’ve lived in Ridgewood since 2013, in a neighborhood with a remarkable concentration of artists, many of us applying for the same few major grants, fellowships and residencies. When fellow grantee Emily Janowick first told me about TTFF, I was surprised and heartened,”  Spring 2025 Grantee Alina Tenser said. “For me and the other artists in ‘Stone’s Throw,’ unrestricted support like this makes a real difference, whether it goes toward rent, childcare or materials. I hope this model is adopted in more neighborhoods around NYC!”

One of Alina Tenser’s artworks. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Gorman

“The microgrant provided a foundation of support that allowed me to further develop both my multimedia and participatory practices, while strengthening my ability to pursue other opportunities,” Spring 2025 Grantee Devin Osorio said. “Beyond the wonderful cohort of artists I’m now part of, and the openness, honesty and sincerity of the TTFF team, the most meaningful part was the studio visit. I was asked questions that pushed me to explore new ideas and research avenues that have since expanded the landscape of my practice. Being part of ‘Stone’s Throw’ feels like an opportunity to share how I’ve grown, both as an artist and as a neighbor.”

One of Devin Osorio’s artworks. Photo courtesy of Christian Rodriguez