The Wagner Foundation has announced the inaugural recipients of its newly launched Wagner Arts Fellowship, awarding $75,000 unrestricted grants to three mid-career artists rooted in Greater Boston: L’Merchie Frazier, Daniela Rivera, and Wen-ti Tsen.
L’Merchie Frazier, a Dorchester-based artist and self-described “visual activist,” has been named one of the first recipients of the Wagner Arts Fellowship, a new initiative launched by the Wagner Foundation. The fellowship awards $75,000 in unrestricted funding and professional support to three mid-career artists in Greater Boston.
Frazier, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, has long used her art to explore nearly 500 years of Black and Indigenous history. Her work—ranging from fiber and metal sculptures to beaded jewelry and her acclaimed Quilted Chronicles series—centers on themes of cultural preservation, social justice, and public memory.
“Under the Quilted Chronicles, there are works that examine targeted populations, historic timelines, and the ongoing challenges related to freedom and democracy,” said Frazier. “As a child, I grew up with great respect for things that were handmade. I majored in political science and philosophy and eventually found a way to use art to dialogue about the issues I care about.”
The Fellowship, administered by United States Artists, provides not only financial support but also tailored artist services such as legal consulting, financial planning, and career development. According to Charlotte Wagner, founder and president of the Wagner Foundation, the program reflects a belief in the essential role of artists in shaping society.
Frazier credits her grandfather, a tailor, and her mother, who did needlework, as early influences on her practice. Now decades into her career, she sees the fellowship as a way to deepen her engagement with the community and expand her work’s visibility. Improving her social media and marketing efforts is among her current goals.
Frazier’s work is held in major institutions including the Smithsonian, The White House, and the American Museum of Design. As part of the fellowship, her art will be included in GENERATIONS, a group exhibition opening May 22, 2025, at the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), presented as part of the Boston Public Art Triennial.
Alongside Frazier, artists Daniela Rivera and Wen-ti Tsen were also selected for the fellowship. Wagner Foundation’s initiative arrives at a pivotal time for Boston’s creative community. With rising costs of living and limited funding opportunities, many mid-career artists are seeking sustainable forms of support. The Wagner Arts Fellowship aims to help fill that gap by providing financial flexibility and access to resources for artists who are embedded in their communities and actively addressing social issues through their practice.
The Foundation plans to continue the program annually, focusing on Boston-based artists who demonstrate strong artistic vision and civic commitment.
