An Art Scholarship too!
Did you know the Prince William Art Society has a scholarship for high school seniors? That's right - not only does PWAS offer opportunities for local artists like gallery and show participation and programs for enrichment, PWAS offers a scholarship for talented Prince William County students planning to pursue degrees in art or art education.
The Jewell Pratt Burns Scholarship from the Prince William Art Society
The Jewell Pratt Burns Scholarship has been being offered continuously (except for 2020 and 2021 when CV-19 interrupted public life) since 2008! Each year either one or two graduating seniors has been presented with a $1,000 award to help them get started on their creative journeys.
Before that presentation in May however, each one had to be accepted into a two or four year college art program, put together a portfolio selected from their work, and submit it with a letter of recommendation from one of their art instructors as well as their own essay about why they should be selected for the award.
Founder Alice LaBier and three early 2008 committee members: Jewell Pratt Burns, Jim Gallagher, Fran Pennington
The PWAS Scholarship Committee meets to review the application packages and makes tentative decisions, but it's not uncommon for those initial choices to be entirely upended by the next step - the student interviews. Each student takes twenty minutes to talk about their art, their challenges and their aspirations. This is the moment when they can go beyond the finite visual achievements spread across the table to talk about what they are reaching for in those works, to show how their skills have grown and continue to grow, and to personalize their package.
The Committee works hard to ensure the entire process is a positive learning experience for students. If we're successful, the one or two students chosen for the monetary award each year aren't the only ones to benefit. We try to leave each student ready to go into their next interview or job application with a bit more confidence. Regardless of the outcome of the award choice, a letter is sent to each student - as well as one to their recommending teacher - with feedback, and thanking them for coming. The thanks are entirely sincere. It really is a privilege to hear their stories, experience their earnestness, and see through their eyes the exciting creative futures they plan.
This year, a $1,000 scholarship will be offered again to each of up to two students. Any Prince William County student in 12th grade, in any public or private school, or who is home schooled and going to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Art Education can apply. The application, deadlines and addresses are available online and should be consulted for details on the requirements and procedures for entry: PWAS website Scholarship and Outreach
Prince William Art Society's Jewell Pratt Burns Scholarship is entirely funded by donations, and the community has shown enthusiasm over the years for supporting artistically talented youth. A donation box in the Open Space Arts gallery at the Stonebridge Shopping Center (15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA) feeds into the scholarship savings account, and many individuals donate there. Other individuals and groups have donated directly, as well. PWAS is grateful to all the donors who have helped Prince William County youth afford to pursue a career in the arts.
This year, the Prince William Art Society is especially grateful to two direct donors: Ms. Judy Gallagher made a donation in memory of Jim Gallagher, artist, beloved PWAS member, and active participant on the Scholarship Committee over the years. On behalf of Visual Expressions, a group of artists in the over-55 community of Four Seasons, Sandra McClelland Lewin presented the balance of their operating fund upon disbanding this year. The group wanted to ensure the funds would go to support the visual arts in Prince William County.
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge
Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.
Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership
