GRANTS + AWARDS I’VE RECEIVED
SILVER AWARD, 2026 CONNECTICUT ART DIRECTORS CLUB
In 2026, I received a Silver Award from the Connecticut Art Directors Club (CADC) for the branding and design work for R. D. Wood Group, a luxury residential builder specializing in custom homes, historic restorations, and fine craftsmanship. The comprehensive brand transformation included a refined visual identity, strategic messaging, and a new website designed to reflect the company’s exceptional craftsmanship and reputation. The recognition celebrates the thoughtful integration of brand strategy, design, and storytelling to create a cohesive identity that honors R. D. Wood Group’s legacy while positioning the company for the future.
2025 Fitzgibbon Endowed Alumni Prize
In 2025, I was honored to receive the Fitzgibbon Endowed Alumni Prize from Moore College of Art & Design. Established in honor of Cecelia Fitzgibbon, the College’s 10th president, the annual award recognizes an alumna’s original essay reflecting on the theme, “What Moore Means to Me.” My winning essay explored the lasting influence of my Moore education on my creative career, professional perspective, and personal growth. I was invited to present the essay at the College’s Alumni Invitational opening reception in Philadelphia in June 2025. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the institution that helped shape my journey as a designer and creative entrepreneur.
FY25 Artist Fellowship Grant
In 2025, I was among 84 artists who received a grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts. The $3,000 grant allowed me to focus on strengthening both my professional skills and the tools needed to support my design business and community-based creative work. Through targeted training, strategic marketing updates, and direct promotional support for local artists, I worked to expand my technical capabilities, improve my visibility to potential clients, and enhance the quality of services I provide. Grant funding also played a key role in ensuring my technology remains current and reliable, allowing me to continue delivering high-quality, up-to-date design solutions for my clients.
2022 Cultural Coalition of Southeastern Connecticut GRANT
In 2022, Dessa Lea Productions was awarded a $7,700 Arts & Culture grant to develop a series of promotional banners celebrating the distinctive character, cultural attractions, and signature events of historic Stonington Borough, Connecticut. Designed to welcome visitors and encourage exploration, the banners transformed a prominent gateway into a colorful expression of the Borough's identity. Installed along the viaduct entering the village, the series was conceived to build awareness, support local businesses, and strengthen Stonington Borough's appeal as a destination for shopping, dining, art, and culture.
From grant development and creative strategy to design and production, the project brought together branding, destination marketing, and environmental graphics to create a lasting visual presence in the community.
2022 ARPA GRANT
With funding from an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant administered through the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce in 2022, Dessa Lea Productions developed an updated walking map and self-guided tour of historic Stonington Borough for the Stonington Borough Merchants Association. More than a navigational tool, the map was designed to enhance the visitor experience, celebrate the Borough’s rich history and distinctive character, and encourage exploration of its independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Combining thoughtful information design, engaging content, and artwork by local artist Susan Scala, the publication serves as both a practical guide and a destination marketing resource, connecting visitors with everything that makes Stonington Borough special.