The Cutch Tuttle Creative Impact Grant is created in memory of John “Cutch” McCutcheon Tuttle III, an artist, musician, and teacher who gave so much of himself to the creative community around him. In honor of his life and the spirit he brought to Staunton, this fund turns remembrance into action by supporting emerging artists through small, meaningful grants.
 

Cutch was one of those people who seemed to live and breathe Art. Whether he was playing music, painting, designing, or teaching, he brought an energy and authenticity that drew people in. A founding member of the Hound Dog Hill Boys, he was a familiar face at festivals and jam sessions, and a steady presence in the local music scene.
 

He was also a deeply impactful teacher. Known to many as “Mr. T,” Cutch had a way of encouraging people, especially young artists, to trust their instincts, take creative risks, and find joy in the process. He didn’t just teach skills; he helped people believe in themselves.
 

Cutch’s family asked that memorial gifts be directed to the Staunton Augusta Art Center, our friends at the OffCenter, and the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, places that reflect the creative community he helped shape. In that same spirit, those gifts made to SAAC are being redirected into microgrants: small, flexible awards that give artists a boost at just the right moment, whether that’s purchasing materials, exploring a new idea, or taking the next step in their work.
 

The Cutch Tuttle Creative Impact Grant carries his legacy forward by supporting artists at the beginning of their journey, strengthening the creative community he loved, and ensuring that his generosity and encouragement continue to ripple outward through the Art being made here.