What did the Fellowship or Laureate mean to you at the time you received it?

Encouragement (which was then in short supply). Money (shorter supply, still).

What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?

I've worked at a law firm for 11 years, but continue to work on a third draft of a novel.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

Making art is hard. Advice can be helpful, but your practice is your own, and no one else's.

Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?

More diverse than ever.