The Memorial Art Gallery’s Creative Workshop is committed to providing opportunities that make art education accessible for all and offers need-based scholarships for both adults and youth. Explore below to learn more about our current scholarship offering and to apply!
Creative Workshop General Scholarship
The Creative Workshop’s general scholarship program offers full scholarships to adult, teen, and youth students and covers 100% of class, workshop or youth camp tuition. Applications for scholarships are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be processed on a rolling basis until all funding has been given. The CW Scholarship Program ensures that deserving children, teens and adults can experience the joy of making art, explore their creativity, and develop their artistic skills.
What Creative Workshop programs are eligible for scholarships?
All Creative Workshop Adult & Youth Classes, one-time workshops, and Youth Camps are eligible for scholarships. Scholarship funding cannot be used to purchase materials or for Birthday Party programs.
Are there age restrictions on scholarships?
No, there are no age restrictions on scholarships. Scholarship funding can be requested to support a student of any age. Parents/Caregivers are required to submit the scholarship application for their children under 18 years of age.
Are there any financial restrictions on scholarships?
No. While Creative Workshop Scholarships are need-based, we ask applicants to define their need on their own terms and to only disclose as little or much about their situation that they are comfortable doing.
When should I apply for a scholarship?
We recommend applying for a scholarship at least 2 weeks before a session begins. This gives our staff time to review applications and ensure adequate capacity in classes. Dates for the class sessions can be found on our classes webpage.
How many times can I apply for a scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded to one person for one class per session. Applicants must re-apply for each session (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).
Are scholarships only restricted to beginners?
No, scholarships are available to interested students at any point in their art making journey—from absolute beginners to advanced.
What kind of information do I need to provide?
The application for the Creative Workshop’s General Scholarship Program is easy. Applicants should be prepared to provide their basic contact information, which program they are interested in, why they want to take a class/camp, and any additional information about their current needs and how a scholarship would help them. Applicants needing additional support or accommodations should note that on the form as well.
Are there a limited number of scholarships awarded per session?
The Creative Workshop has a limited amount of funds available for each session. Applications for scholarships are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be processed on a rolling basis until all funding has been given for that session.
How will I know if I’ve been awarded a scholarship?
If you have been awarded a scholarship, the Creative Workshop team will contact you via email.
Powers Family Scholarship Award
The Powers Family Student Scholarship Award is a multi-class, multi-year program and is awarded to two students annually who show great promise in their artistic talent and demonstrate a desire to pursue higher education and/or a career as a creative artist.
The award creates long-term opportunities for current K–12th grade students in Monroe County to engage with the Memorial Art Gallery’s Creative Workshop over the course of their school years. Selected students must demonstrate enthusiastic commitment to participation. Selected students seek support in the development of their skills and a portfolio through the regular attendance of, and active participation in classes, workshops or camps in the Creative Workshop at the Memorial Art Gallery.
Award application coming soon!
Who is eligible for this award?
All current K–12th grade students in Monroe County are eligible to apply.
What does the award provide?
The Powers Family Scholarship Award provides full tuition support for:
- A full year of Creative Workshop classes, workshops or camps (up to 2 classes per session) to provide continuous creative education to the student
- All materials needed by the student for class and/or continued outside practice
- Transportation support if needed
The Award renews annually for selected students, and students are strongly encouraged to participate yearly until graduation.
What is the timeline?
Applications for the Powers Family Scholarship Award can be submitted at any point throughout the year and are due by June 30, 2026, for consideration to start in the following Fall. Selections will be made by a staff member from the Memorial Art Gallery’s Academic & Community Programs department and a teaching artist faculty member from the Creative Workshop.
- June 30, 2026: Applications due
- July–August, 2026: Committee selects students
- September 2026: Award recipients enrolled in classes with the fall session
How do I apply for the award?
Submit our online application (coming soon)! Make sure to have the following prepared:
- A recommendation letter from a current or past teacher familiar with the student’s creative work that demonstrates the applicant’s promising talent. The recommendation letter may include:
- Insight into the student’s accomplishments and merits
- Examples of the student’s academic or creative work
- Any circumstances that make the student especially deserving of the scholarship
- An artist statement written by the applicant that explains why they want to be an artist/ what art means to them, and how this scholarship and participation in Creative Workshop classes will help them develop as an artist and reach their goals
- Up to 3 images of the applicant’s artwork