Emma Kerkman Wins the YoungArts Merit Award in Short Story
Emma Kerkman has been recognized at the Merit level, the organization’s third highest honor, for her caliber of artistic achievement and joins 659 of the nation’s most accomplished artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts. As one of eleven young writers nationwide, Emma was selected by an esteemed panel of artists through a rigorous adjudication process. YoungArts award winners gain access to one of the most comprehensive programs for artists in the United States in which they will have opportunities for financial, creative, and professional development support throughout their entire careers.
“YoungArts empowers artists to pursue a life in the arts beginning at the critical time when many are faced with decisions about life after high school and we are thrilled to announce this year’s YoungArts award winners. This group of extraordinary artists has reminded us yet again that extraordinary artistry is ageless, and I encourage everyone to get to know these faces and names as we will be seeing them for many years to come,” said Executive Director Jewel Malone. “To all of this year’s winners, congratulations! This is just the start of YoungArts’ commitment to supporting your careers, we look forward to working to with you and supporting your artistic and professional development.”
Emma will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to learn from leading artists such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Gehry, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie and Mickalene Thomas. Emma is also eligible for creative and professional development support including a wide range of fellowships, residencies, and awards; virtual and in-person presentation opportunities and additional financial support.
Emma has won a total of 24 awards for her writing in the genres of short fiction, flash fiction, science fiction, personal essay, poetry, and novel. She is currently working on her third novel, Sail by Dawn.
Penny for a Finger was written as her application story for the ALPHA workshop for Fantasy, Science-Fiction, and Horror writers. Read it HERE.
Prince of the Ivory Woods
Other books Emma has written include:
Sail By Dawn (2017-present)
Prince of the Ivory Woods (2016-present)
Forest of Skies (2015-2016)