Grand Marais Art Colony co-founder Byron Bradley is remembered as a talented artist, art instructor and an enthusiastic advocate for the arts. The Grand Marais Art Colony is honoring his legacy by naming its scholarship fund the Byron Bradley Scholarship Fund.
Access to art was vitally important to Grand Marais Art Colony co-founder Byron Bradley. An art scholarship recipient himself, this talented man worked hard to nurture the artistic ability of others in any way he could. Bradley passed away on June 5, and the Art Colony and his family are pleased to honor his legacy by naming the Scholarship Fund in his honor. The Byron Bradley Scholarship Fund provides tuition scholarships to youth and those with financial need to study at the Grand Marais Art Colony.
Bradley made a life and a living out of encouraging others, through his work at the Kilbride-Bradley Gallery and KB Art Materials Store in Minneapolis to his foundational mentorship and teaching at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Grand Marais Art Colony. He was known for his extensive knowledge, great wit, and genuine heart – a powerful combination that made him such an exceptional and instrumental art instructor for generations of artists. Byron’s wife, Emma Bradley, noted that he also loved teaching kids and the Saturday morning Youth Art Classes was a favorite component of the Art Colony for him.
The Art Colony’s Scholarship Fund was officially created in 2010 with a first donation of $25. Since that time, it has been filled by generous individuals who value access to the arts for anyone, no matter their financial situation or age. Art Colony Director Amy Demmer said, “We have been pleased to fill every scholarship request since the fund’s inception. However, in 2015, the Art Colony granted out every available dollar, almost entirely to local residents. When the Bradleys requested that Byron’s memorial donations be put toward the Scholarship Fund, I was thrilled. The Art Colony’s legacy has been shaped by Byron and now its future will be as well.”
The Byron Bradley Scholarship Fund will continue Byron’s deeply held belief that the creative pursuits are important to the development of a healthy person and a healthy society. Demmer said, “the point is to get yourself out there, try something new. Art-making can feel vulnerable but it’s the process of trying and learning, practice and expression. It’s the doing that matters most. And the legacy of both Byron and Birney Quick in creating the Art Colony is a supportive environment that welcomes all levels – from youth and novice to emerging and professional artists.”
If you would like to learn more about the Byron Bradley Scholarship Fund or if you would like to donate, contact the Art Colony at 218-387- 2737 or director@grandmaraisartcolony.org
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