DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – Art in Public Places (APP) has announced the 2025 recipients of its Community Art Grant program: Jenny Fine of New Brockton and Orran Scruggs of Dothan. Together, the artists will receive $6,700 to support projects that highlight local creativity and strengthen community engagement across the Wiregrass.
Fine, a nationally recognized visual artist and educator, was awarded $3,200 to purchase tools for her ongoing photo-based installation work. The new equipment will also support her digital production and online teaching practice. Known for her immersive visual storytelling, Fine’s art explores themes of memory, identity, and Southern life. Her work has appeared in solo exhibitions at museums and galleries throughout the Southeast, as well as at the Sculpture Center in Cleveland and the Children’s Museum of the Arts in New York City.
Scruggs, a Dothan-based artist, educator, and community leader, received $3,500 for his Serve Shop Project, a woodworking and maker space at the Izell Reese Community Center. The grant will help equip the space with new tools, safety systems, and workstations for youth classes and family craft days. Scruggs said the project is about connection and creativity.
“The Serve Shop Project is a community-building initiative that allows me to spread love and creativity to my community,” Scruggs said. “My goal is to show the world how making handmade artisan goods keeps you connected to nature and people in a meaningful way. I am grateful for APP’s support; it really takes a lot of stress and pressure away from the artist and allows them to flourish in their craft.”
APP Executive Director Holly Meyers said both artists embody the spirit of the program. “Jenny and Orran represent the range and depth of creativity that exists in the Wiregrass,” Meyers said. “Their work captures both the personal and communal spirit of the arts, and we’re honored to support them on their artistic journeys.”
The Community Art Grant program awards up to $10,000 annually to artists and organizations whose work aligns with APP’s mission to foster a thriving arts ecosystem through public art and community-driven creativity.
Art in Public Places is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Wiregrass through public art installations, events, and programs that inspire creativity and community connection.
