A NATIONAL INVITATION TO GLASS STUDIOS & MASTER ARTISANS
Seeking an Artistic Production Partnership
The David Schultz ‘Champion of Champions’ Memorial Trophy
An Invitation to Collaborate with WRESTLING SAVES LIVES Artist Joey Krebs
Artist-in-Residence | Commemorative Art | Glassmaking | Fine Craftsmanship
CALL FOR ARTISTIC COLLABORATION WITH WRESTLING SAVES LIVES
INTRODUCTION
The David Schultz ‘Champion of Champions’ Memorial TrophyThe David Schultz Champion of Champions Memorial Trophy represents far more than an award recognizing California’s premier high school wrestlers, presented annually at the CIF State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield, California. It is a commemorative work of art honoring the life, competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and enduring international legacy of David Schultz, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion.
Conceived through the artistic vision and creative initiative of artist Joey Krebs, the trophy represents a meaningful intersection of artistic expression, charitable commitment, and California wrestling heritage. It connects the state’s distinguished CIF high school wrestling tradition with the broader national and international wrestling community, celebrating the athletes whose accomplishments carry the sport forward.
Established in the spirit of preserving David Schultz’s legacy, the Memorial Trophy recognizes CIF champions who embody the determination, discipline, perseverance, and competitive spirit that defined Schultz’s extraordinary career. It honors not only championship achievement but also the character, dedication, and pursuit of excellence that distinguish champions both on and off the mat.
Ultimately, the David Schultz Champion of Champions Memorial Trophy serves as a lasting tribute to an extraordinary athlete and ambassador of the sport, while inspiring successive generations of California wrestlers to pursue greatness. Its legacy is measured not simply by victories or titles, but by the enduring influence of a remarkable champion whose example continues to shape the future of our sport of wrestling.
THE ARTISTIC RESIDENCY & PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITY
The proposed Artist-in-Residence collaboration will bring together Joey Krebs’s creative direction and the technical expertise of an established glass studio or artisan workshop in production.
Potential areas of collaboration include:
1 Glass Artistry: Incorporating hand-blown, kiln-formed, cast, or sculpted glass into the trophy’s design.
2 Sculptural Development: Exploring three-dimensional forms inspired by wrestling, athletic achievement, and the legacy of David Schultz.
3 Material Innovation: Combining glass with bronze, metal, stone, wood, or other complementary materials.
4 Commemorative Inscription: Integrating the trophy’s title, historical significance, and identifying details.
5 Prototype Development: Producing conceptual studies, material samples, and a full-scale prototype.
6 Annual Production: Establishing a sustainable production process for the annual presentation at the CIF State Wrestling Championships.
THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE MODEL
Joey Krebs proposes working directly with a master artisan, selecting a studio as an Artist-in-Residence, contributing artistic direction, conceptual development, historical research, and collaborative design.
Our objective is to establish a working relationship in which the artist and artisan contribute their respective creative and technical strengths toward producing an exceptional commemorative object.
The collaboration may include studio consultations, hands-on production, material experimentation, design refinement, and documentation of the fabrication process.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We welcome inquiries from:
• American glassblowing studios.
• Contemporary glass artists and sculptors.
• Master glassmakers and kiln-forming specialists.
• Independent artisans and multidisciplinary fabricators.
• Fine-art foundries and metalworking studios.
• University glass programs and craft institutions.
• Artist residencies and creative production workshops.
We are particularly interested in studios, whether private, commercial, academic, or institutional, that embrace experimental craftsmanship, collaborative artistic practice, and the creation of objects with historical and cultural significance, held in high regard with standards of excellence in association with such renowned institutions like the Corning Museum of Glass.
AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
We invite interested studios and artisans to introduce their work, share their artistic capabilities, and explore the possibility of collaborating on this commemorative work of art as its special undertaking.
Interested parties are encouraged to provide:
• A portfolio of relevant glass or sculptural work.
• Studio capabilities and production experience.
• Information regarding Artist-in-Residence opportunities.
• Preliminary thoughts on materials, fabrication, and collaborative development.
• Contact information for an introductory conversation with the artist.
Our ultimate goal is to establish a meaningful artistic partnership capable of bringing the next chapter of the David Schultz Champion of Champions Memorial Trophy to life.
A LEGACY WORTH CREATING
Some objects commemorate a moment. Others become symbols that transcend generations.
The David Schultz Champion of Champions Memorial Trophy belongs to the visionary tradition of distinction. It represents the intersection of athletic excellence, artistic craftsmanship, historical memory, and the values that make wrestling a lifelong pursuit.
We welcome the opportunity to work with an American glass studio or master artisan who shares our affinity for vision and recognizes the significance of creating something that will endure for generations.Without Vision, People Peris..
Let’s create a vision that is imperishable, worthy of a champion of champions.
Respectfully,
Joey Krebs
WRESTLING SAVES LIVES
WRESTLING SAVES LIVES collective founder and organizer Joey Krebs invites distinguished glass studios, master glassmakers, independent artisans, and fine-art fabricators throughout the United States to explore an artistic production partnership in the production and creation of the David Schultz ‘Champion of Champions’ Memorial Trophy.
This national invitation seeks an exceptional creative partner who is interested in working alongside artist Joey Krebs in an Artist-in-Residence capacity to develop, fabricate, and produce a commemorative trophy worthy of David Schultz’s extraordinary legacy.
The project offers an opportunity to unite contemporary artistic practice, traditional craftsmanship, and the enduring values of American wrestling through the transformative medium of glass and other complementary materials.