Corrine Hansen Taylor “Art It Forward” Scholarship
for Eligible Graduating Seniors
from Westerly or Stonington High Schools
The mission at Continuum Arts Foundation is to pay it forward by supporting young artists in need. The CHTAIF Scholarship will be awarded through the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, the designated 501c3 nonprofit sponsor for Continuum Arts Foundation. 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. It is our hope to grow the scholarship fund to include other area schools and adult programs and public art donations. We can’t do this alone. Please join us in making a difference in a young creatives life and make a tax-deductible contribution to “Art it Forward”.
Personal Note from the Founder of Continuum Arts Foundation, Serena Bates:
"Do you have a passion for art? Would you like to take it to new heights and live your life true to your creative self? I do. My own ability to expand my craft, was supported with a simple boost from my dear friend from high school, Corrine Hansen Taylor. My name is Serena Bates, WHS '83; I am a sculptor and painter. My friend Corri, WHS '84, taught economics and quantitative reasoning at Wellesley College for over 20 years. She very much appreciates the arts and enjoys supporting artists.
For many years, the jobs that paid my bills took up a lot of my creativity time. I wished I had the freedom to devote to my artwork. On a visit in 2015, Corri saw some of my unfinished works that I did not have the time or money to complete. She slid a check over to me for $1000 and said "I am investing in you, Serena. When you can, please just pay it forward." No one had ever acted that selflessly on my behalf. That kind act provided the little bit of assistance and motivation I needed and had a dramatic impact on my life. Since that time, I have tried to prove worthy of Corri's gift. I have won several art awards, been published in many articles, am in collections around the world now, and have had opportunities to meet and work with well-known peers in my sculpture profession. The time has come for me to pay it forward.
I have established "The Art It Forward" Scholarship Fund to support a WHS graduate who exhibits relentless passion, skill, drive and dedication to pursue their dreams with a career in the arts. This scholarship encompasses Art, Music and Theater studies. Ideally, that person will be able to pay it forward, as well and keep the creative momentum moving forward, inspiring others.I am excited to experience the entries. The scholarship winner will be chosen by myself and others in a selection committee.
Best of luck to all who apply!"
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 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 Continuum Arts Foundation 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 should be hand delivered to the Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, 14 Railroad Avenue, Westerly RI 02891 during regular hours of operation. The application deadline is April 3rd for Westerly Students and April 28th for Stonington Students. All questions should be directed to Serena Bates, 401-932-9775, [email protected]