Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott and Nest Announce 2025 Heritage Craft Prize Winner in Austin
Lakea Shepard, a Houston-based artist, was awarded this year's prize
Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott partnered once again with nonprofit Nest to celebrate artisans across Texas. Together, they presented the 2025 Heritage Craft Prize on Sept. 19, honoring makers who showcased outstanding technical mastery while preserving the cultural traditions at the heart of their work.
Lakea Shepard, a Houston-based textile and mixed-media sculptor, was awarded the prize during an intimate event hosted by Kendra Scott and Nest Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca van Bergen.
The award honors exceptional craftsmanship and celebrates meaningful cultural traditions and values. The 2025 Heritage Craft Prize was open to any artisan, maker, or craftsperson residing and producing in Texas. Lakea Shepard won for her piece titled “Farewell.” Thomas Gutierrez, an Austin-based cut paper artist, was named runner up for his piece titled “Ferdinandus Taurus,” and Chelsea Clarke, Gabo Martinez and Sarah Sauer were also named as finalists and recognized for their impressive works.
“Craft is both a form of art and a living expression of culture,” said van Bergen. “Through this partnership with Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, we recognize makers who honored generations of tradition while reimagining their work for the future.”
Applications for the Heritage Craft Prize were reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Kendra Scott, Founder and Philanthropist
- Rebecca van Bergen, Founder and Executive Director of Nest
- Abraham Alexander, Musician and Songwriter
- Alison Hearst, Curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Minta Maria Smail, Artist and Photographer
- sharon maidenberg, Executive Director of The Contemporary Austin
Supported by the Kendra Scott Foundation, Nest works to provide mentorship, coaching, funding and peer support for emerging artisans and maker entrepreneurs. Learn even more at www.buildanest.org.