Serena Bates and the Artists' Cooperative Gallery of Westerly present:
The 2026 Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the arts community? We did and that is why the Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship was created. In 2026, two scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors in need of financial assistance, planning to pursue a career in any area of the arts – one senior from Westerly High School and a second from Stonington High School. This Scholarship honors a random act of kindness that changed the course of founder Serena Bates’ life and career. Corrine Hansen Taylor, WHS ’84, once surprised her friend of many years with an investment into her art career at a crucial time, thus providing support and giving momentum to her art career. One stipulation was made: when the right time came, the artist was to pay it forward. Now is that time.
The mission of this scholarship is to pay it forward by supporting young artists in need. It will be awarded through the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, the designated 501c3 nonprofit sponsor. The two winning recipients will each receive a $1,500 award for art education, supplies or equipment, and will be given the optional opportunity to display their work or perform at the Cooperative. It is our hope to grow the scholarship fund to include other area schools as funds grow. We can’t do this alone. Please join us in making a difference in a young creative’s life and make a tax-deductible contribution to “Art It Forward.”
Donations of $100 or more made before December 31, 2025, will be entered into a raffle to receive an original work of art from Serena Bates, founder of the “Art it Forward” scholarship! Winner to be drawn in January of 2026. Good Luck!
Thank you so much,
Serena Bates
Serena Bates Sculpture/ACGOW
www.serenabates.com batessculpture@gmail.com
Cut and return form with donation
THE 2026 CORRINE HANSEN TAYLOR “ART IT FORWARD” SCHOLARSHIP
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________ Email: ___________________________
Amount of Donation ____$25 ____$50 _____$100 _____Other Check No: ___________
(Please make checks payable to ACGOW, Memo line 2026 “Art It Forward.”)
Or
Visa/MC: ________________________________________ Exp date________ Sec. Code_____
Please mail donations to Serena Bates Sculpture, 32 Ann Street, Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 932-9775
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.