High School Scholarships

“The Paper Dress” created  by Newmarket HIgh School Senior, Acadia Bloodlane. The Paper Dress was vote 3rd in the People’s Choice Awards in our May Primavera Show. Acadia is was one of the 10 amazing high school students who were awarded scholarships from Seacoast Artist Association.

The Seacoast Artist Association has awarded ten 2024 art scholarships to high school seniors continuing with their art studies at either a two or four year college or university. For the last 36 years, the scholarship committee has worked with local public high school teachers and guidance counselors who choose a talented senior from each school.

The list of students with schools and concentration of studies are as follows:

• Olivia Salinas, from Dover HS is attending UMass Dartmouth pursuing a major in Interior Design.
• Ava Chiumento, from Exeter High School is attending the University of New Hampshire pursuing a major in Art.
•  Acadia Bloodlane, from Newmarket High School is attending Mass College of Art and Design pursuing a major in Fashion Design.
• Owen Stark, from Oyster River High School is attending the University of Utah with pursuing a major in Studio Arts/Fine Art.
• Hanna Steedman, from Portsmouth High School is attending Maine College of Art and Design, pursuing a major in Illustration.
• Devan Sheppard, from Raymond high School will be attending Colby-Sawyer College, pursuing a major in Studio Art/ Fine Arts and Design.
• Elsa Lamere, from Sanborn Regional High School is attending the University of Hartford, pursuing an Art Major.
• Claire Prieto, from Spaulding High will be attending Endicott College pursuing a major in Interior Design.
• Simone Faucher, from Timberlane High School will be attending Plymouth State University, pursuing a major in Art and Design.
• Ashley Pellett, from York High School will be attending Sarah Lawrence College, pursuing a major in Art History.

Senior (65 and over) “Pentimento” Scholarships

“Most of our members in the SAA are seniors,” says Board VP Debra Woodward, “and though many have been creating their whole lives—even teaching art—a good number did not even begin making art until after retirement. They contribute so much wisdom and positivity to the organization.  We know that not everyone can afford to take classes or to even become a member, so this scholarship made sense.  We do offer a senior membership rate, and being a member gives you a discount for entries into our popular monthly theme shows.”  The word ‘pentimento’ is an art term meaning the reappearance in a painting of an original drawn or painted element which was eventually painted over by the artist.  “We thought this would be perfect in hopes that this scholarship uncovers the artist inside.”

The Pentimento Scholarship offers everything someone needs to begin this new chapter in their lives—a year’s membership; classes from either of two regular art teachers at the SAA, Doris Rice or Revelle Taillon; supplies made possible by a generous contribution from Blick Art Materials; and after they are on their way, entries into two upcoming theme shows.

Doris Rice, watercolorist and teacher at the SAA, pointed out that on a recent CBS Sunday Morning special, Jane Fonda and anti-ageism advocate Ashton Applewhite talked about how engaging in the arts helps seniors live longer and more fulfilling lives: “Jane said that art classes can add an average of seven and a half years to your life.  And she is 87!”  Staying creative and finding community is crucial for adding several years to your lifespan and making those years more fulfilling.  Engaging in the arts boosts mental health, sharpens cognitive function, and offers a sense of accomplishment.

“Another important aspect of being a member of an organization is ‘community,’ which has always been a main goal of the SAA,” adds Debra.  “The arts provide a wonderful opportunity for seniors to connect with others.  Many students will tell you that they have made lifelong friends from being part of a class and being a member of the SAA.  So, if you know someone who would benefit from this, please nominate them!”

Nominations should be made by friends or family members of the nominee by April 1, 2025.  They need at least two to qualify for consideration.  The award will be given at their Spring Town Hall Show reception on May 9th.  Details are in the entry form found at the gallery or downloaded our SAA-Pentimento-Nomination-Form.PDF . For more information on the Pentimento Scholarship, please email pentimento@seacoastartist.org.

Donations

Scholarship Committee

Many thanks go to the members of the committee who work closely with teachers and guidance counselors from the local schools.

• Maryclare Heffernan (chair)
• Sarah Oppenheimer
• Carol Poitras
• Deb McNelly
• Kathy Satires
• Jean Swanson
• Lisa McManus