The Jackie Kirsche Memorial Scholarship
est. 2023
The Athens Farmers Market is honored to introduce the inaugural year of the Jackie Kirsche Memorial Scholarship. Founded in 2023, this scholarship is designed to support the community of growers and makers which so deeply enriched Jackie’s life. Recipients will receive up to a year-long Saturday membership to the Athens Farmers Market to uplift vendors who are experiencing financial hardship or are newly establishing their business (up to $1025 value).
Walking into the Saturday Market with her family and her colorful basket, Jackie greeted farmers, vendors, and neighbors by name. As a lifelong artist herself, she uplifted those around her while drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the market bloom, fresh produce, and community connections. Jackie’s love for the AFM community was evident in her easy smile as she strolled through the market, gradually filling her basket with local goods.
The Jackie Kirsche Memorial Scholarship honors her legacy by continuing to support local artists, small business owners, and farmers. Funds for establishing the scholarship were provided through donations in Jackie’s honor. If you wish to donate to support the continuation of this fund, you may do so on this page and indicate that your donation is intended to support the Jackie Kirsche Memorial Scholarship.
Recipients of the JKMS Award
2023
Elle Lewis of Absynia - The mind and hands behind Absynia, Elle is a jewelry and stationery designer who got her start by repurposing cheap broken jewelry. After gaining popularity on her campus for her unique jewelry, she began making jewelry in earnest. Her connection to her heritage and the African diaspora is a heavy influence on her aesthetic. She makes it a point to name and share her sources of inspiration, from the homes of the Kassena women of Tiébélé to the seed jewelry of the Samburu and back to the Baule brass of West Africa. That is the difference between appreciation and appropriation.
2024
Jackie Kirsche Memorial Scholarship Policies:
The JKMS recipient must also apply for and be accepted to the Saturday Athens Farmers Market Season.
The JKMS is open to any vendor regardless of category.
The recipient of the JKMS will be selected by a member of the Kirsche Family, a representative selected by the Kirsche Family, or by the market manager if no one is appointed.
The JKMS will remain open during the AFM Vendor application period.
The total value of the scholarship for the 2024 season is up to $1025. While the recipient is welcome to attend all regular season Saturday markets, they must still set a schedule with the market director.
Applicants are welcome to apply even if they do not wish to attend every regular season Saturday Market.
The recipient of the JKMS must follow all bylaws of AFM and is not exempt from fines or dismissal from the market.
