Though he considers himself a fine artist first, Sam Acuff ’15 (General Fine Arts) is building a successful business. Called Two Bolts Studios,  Acuff handcrafts reclaimed objects into furniture with minimalist appeal - and an abundance of good design.

The business recently received $25,000 in investment funding during MICA's 2016 Up/Start Venture Competition, a "shark tank style" initiative that includes a pitch and startup context for students and alumni entrepreneurs. Last spring, Acuff, and his co-founder, MICA alumnus Brendan Choi '16 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture) competed in front of a live audience and panel of judges to become one of four teams to win funding.

Acuff hopes that the small fabricating shop allows them to make handcrafted furniture more accessible and bring work back to artisans and aspiring craftsmen. In addition to a collection of furniture and lighting, Two Bolts Studio provides custom design and restoration services to residential and businesses customers throughout the greater Baltimore region.