BY KAREN BOSSICK
Applications for the Sun Valley Center for the Arts’ scholarship program will be available online beginning Friday, Dec. 1.
The applications are due Feb. 21, 2018.
The program is part of the organization’s mission of enriching the education of students and educators through transformational arts experiences.
Each year The Center has awarded four different types of scholarships to local educators and students: The scholarships are made possible through funds raised at the annual wine auction and private donations.
And this year, for the first time, The Center is offering a fifth scholarship: The JACK THORNTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Thornton, who passed away in 2017, was a strong lover of music and a huge supporter of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. The scholarship in his name was announced at The Center’s Wine Auction Gala held in July 2017.
A $3,000 scholarship will be given annually for a student in 11th or 12th grade who wishes to advance their skills in music, theatre, voice or dance.
THE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP, limited to $1,200, is available to teachers and supports professional development related to the visual and performing arts and/or humanities.
THE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS, good for up to $2,500, are available to Blaine County students in grades 9 through 12 who want to further their studies in the arts and humanities outside of regular school hours.
Preference is given to those who choose to study either visual arts, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, film and architecture, or performing arts, such as theatre, music, dance and voice. Students studying humanities, such as art history, creative writing, literature and language studies will also be considered.
THE $5,000 EZRA POUND SCHOLARSHIP is available to a Blaine County student enrolled in 11th grade and studying visual arts.
And THE GAY V. WEAKE SCHOLARSHIP is available to 12 graders or full-time college students majoring in the arts or humanities. The renewable scholarship of $2,000 per undergraduate year must be applied towards tuition at an accredited college or university.
The Center has given just over $844,000 in scholarships to local students and educators during the past 20 years, said Sarah Stavros, education associate at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
“It is inspiring to see how this money transforms students’ lives and how thankful the students are for these amazing opportunities,” she added.
Applications can be found at www.sunvalleycenter.org/scholarships. Direct questions to Stavros at sstavros@sunvalleycenter.org or 208-726-9491, extension 121.