This year’s Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award recipients with Eric Thomas’s niece, Molly Thomas. (L-R) Cassie Burkett, Molly Thomas, Samantha Scalise.
The Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award, an annual scholarship, was developed by the Grand Marais Art Colony and Leah Thomas in memory of Leah’s brother, Eric Thomas (1956-2013). Two awards were presented at the Cook County High School Awards Program on May 23.
Presenting the award, Leah Thomas said, “Congratulations to Cassie Burkett and Samantha Scalise, recipients of the 2016 Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award. Cassie and Samantha each receive a scholarship to the Grand Marais Art Colony to further their artistic journey.”
The scholarship provides full tuition and cost of materials for a young Cook County artist finishing his or her sophomore or junior year (or equivalent home school program) to attend a Grand Marais Art Colony class of their choice. The winning scholarship recipient— or recipients—must demonstrate clear artistic interest, originality, and motivation.
In addition to this new scholarship, the Art Colony offers youth and financial need-based scholarships available so that everyone in Cook County has the opportunity to access artistic education.
Contributions may be made to this scholarship fund by contacting the Art Colony at 218-387-2737 or director@grandmaraisartcolony.org.
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