Empowering Artisans
We're invested in supporting the next generation of artisans and makers, which is why we're proud to partner with Nest to present the 2025 Heritage Craft Prize.
Empowering Artisans
We're invested in supporting the next generation of artisans and makers, which is why we're proud to partner with Nest to present the 2025 Heritage Craft Prize.
Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott x Nest Collection
The Heritage Craft Prize
This award honors the incredible skill and talent of artisans with the winner receiving a $25,000 grant through the Kendra Scott Foundation to help advance their craft-based pursuits. The grant is provided to one artist/maker who demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and cultural preservation. Together, we're honoring and supporting the next generation of makers while celebrating tradition, artistry, and impact with the Heritage Craft Prize.
2025 Winner: Lakea Shepard
Lakea Shepard is a textile and mixed-media sculptor from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Shepard studied Visual Arts (UNC School of the Arts) and received her BFA in Craft with a focus on fibers (College for Creative Studies). Her work blends beading, millinery, and basketry—techniques rooted in her upbringing by a mechanic and textile worker. Represented by Kishka Gallery, her work is exhibited in galleries and museums nationwide.
2025 Runner-Up: Thomas Gutierrez
Thomas Gutierrez, known as STNLOW (pronounced sittin-low), is a cut paper artist based in Austin, Texas. His work blends the techniques and symbolism of traditional Mexican Papel Picado and Aztec paper cutting, known as amatl, with the bold, graphic style of modern stencil street art. Raised in multicultural Houston with family roots in South Texas and Mexico, his work is rooted in heritage, bridging traditional techniques with modern expression.
Meet The 2025 Finalists
(From left to right) Thomas Gutierrez, Chelsea Clarke, Gabo Martinez, Sarah Sauer and Lakea Shepard
