2008 Scholarship Winners

The Alaska Watercolor Society and The Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs, Anchorage and Nome Chapters are pleased to announce the winners of their 2008 Scholarship Awards. Rachel Lim and Shelly Giraldo, students at the University of Alaska, Anchorage each received $1000.

Ms. Giraldo received the AKWS award. She hails from Kenny Lake, AK and is a junior pursuing a double degree in Fine Arts and Spanish. She feels drawn to an educational career which would allow her to combine her love of Spanish and art.

Ms. Lim is originally from China and has lived in Gambell, AK. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at UAA and hopes to continue on for her MFA. She looks forward to an active career as an artist in our community.

The Scholarship Committee was impressed by both artists' skill, creativity and passion for the visual arts. The scholarship recipients will be recognized and the slides of their work shown at our September meeting as they will be traveling in May and thus unavailable at the time of our May meeting. Thank you to AKWS Scholarship Committee Chair John Beebee, LaRae Groves, and Jan Sherwood and to Anchorage Woman's Club members Karen Mattson and Barbara Wilkins for their work on this endeavor. Thanks also to the members of AKWS and the Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs, without whose financial generosity these scholarships would not be possible.

2008 AKWS Juried Exhibition

The 34th Annual AKWS Juried Exhibition is scheduled to show at the Stephan Fine Arts Gallery from September 5 through September 21, 2008. The juror is Carla O'Connor.

New Studio Painting Opportunity

Rene Haag, owner of Blaine’s Art and Graphic Supply has generously opened her store’s classroom space, free of charge, to artists who would like a place to meet and work together. Artist Joyce Coolidge has offered to act as the facilitator for this group. She will be in the Blaine's classroom from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Joyce plans to be there each week unless there is a holiday (Christmas, etc.) Table and easels are available for artists to spread out their supplies and get right to work in a supportive environment. The store is open until 7 p.m. should artists want to purchase supplies. The classroom is accessible by entering the store. After the studio session, participants will exit from a separate entry at the back of the store, so that would be the best place to park.

This is a non-instructional group, all levels and media are welcome. Participants must be supportive, and any critiques given must be requested from the artist. Joyce will need a reliable e-mail address or telephone number from those planning to attend so she will be able to notify you if a session is going to be canceled. It is important that participants maintain active communication with Joyce so that she is not placed in the position of opening the classroom on an evening when no artists will be attending. If you are interested, please e-mail Joyce Coolidge at jwattscool@gmail.com or contact her at 345-1991.