Art Scholarships

The Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation gave its 41^st annual Art Scholarship exhibition and reception at the family resource center in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The room was filled with proud parents and friends plus the teen artists themselves. They were standing by their work and more than ready to tell you about themselves.

The artists should be proud because 70 competed and 25 were chosen to receive $2,500. The Best of Show done by Evan Sherman received an extra $1,000. He has been in Visual Arts and Design at Santa Barbara High for three years. He is especially intrigued by the notion that surfaces possess their own narratives. In 2018 he received top honors in an Arts Fund competition. He hopes to attend the Rhode Island School of Design and wants to paint professionally.

I spoke with Magdaline Gooch’s mom, Jessie Dougherty who said, “Ever since she could walk she would go around with a pencil in her hand.” Her daughter, Magdaline said, “Through my art I believe I can reach many people about the important and critical issues facing our planet, especially as they relate to endangered species.”

After wine and viewing we went into the auditorium for the award presentations.

Board chair for the Scholarship Foundation Christie Glanville welcomed all. Director of education for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Patsy Hicks gave out the awards saying, “You are a remarkable force for good. You belong here.” Each artist introduced themselves and each had a different sponsor for their award. The chief programs officer for the Scholarship Foundation Len Smolburd gave student recognition.

Chief Development Officer Julie Weiner wants us to know, “Each year we are forced to turn away talented applicants due to a lack of funds. There are two ways to support them. Establish an Art Scholarship Fund in the name of your family, a loved one, business, foundation, club or organization. They are $2,500 and you retain the flexibility to renew this gift each year. Or make a gift of any size to the Fund and it will be combined with the support of others. Call 805.687.6065.”