Serena Bates and the Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly present:

The 2025 Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship

       The Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship is to be awarded to a Westerly High School and Stonington graduating senior in need of financial assistance who is pursuing a career in any area of the fine arts. Serena Bates and the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly would like to honor a random act of kindness that changed the course of its founder’s career and now, quite possibly, yours. Corrine Hansen Taylor, a WHS alumnus, class of 1984, once surprised her dear friend with an investment into her art career at a crucial time, thus providing momentum and changing the course of the artist’s life. One stipulation was made; when the time came that her artist friend could afford to, she was to pay it forward. Now is that time. Please join us in celebrating the fourth endowment of the Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship. 

       The mission of this scholarship is to pay it forward by supporting young artists in need.   The Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly is the designated 501c3 nonprofit sponsor of “Art it Forward”.  The winning recipient will receive a $1000 award to be used for art education, supplies or equipment and be given the honor of showing their work or performing at the Cooperative at a mutually agreed upon time. Please see the eligibility requirements and apply before the deadline of April 1, 2025, for Westerly and Stonington Students.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • Be a graduating senior requiring financial assistance.
  • Submit one original piece of art or thumb drive with example of musical/theatrical presentation. All materials will be returned to applicants upon completion of the process.
  • Provide Two Letters of Recommendation, at least one from a teacher.
  • Fill out the scholarship application information form.
  • Read the personal note below from founder, Serena Bates, describing the inspiration for this scholarship award.
  • Submit a one-page essay introducing yourself to the selection committee.  Tell us what path you’d like to take with your craft.  Dream aloud.  What are your influences and inspirations? Explain how this scholarship will make a difference for you and how you plan to put it to use.

Application and a sample of student’s work should be hand delivered to the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, 14 Railroad Avenue, Westerly RI 02891 during regular hours of operation.  All questions should be directed to Serena Bates, [email protected], 401-932-9775.