Marblehead Festival of Arts Offers Two Art Scholarship Programs

The Marblehead Festival of Arts (MFoA) awards two scholarships annually to deserving students who reside or attend school in Marblehead. The Scholarships Committee is now accepting applications for the two grants for 2011.

For both grants, criteria considered by the Scholarships Committee include academic and art achievements; art-related and extracurricular activities, both in and out of school; intended vocation; and any honors or special citations received. This year’s Art Scholarships Committee includes Peggy Farrell, Lynne DeVoe, Mike Evers and Herb Goldberg.

The Art Scholarship, now worth $3,000, has been awarded each year since 1986 to a high school senior who is pursuing higher education in visual arts, performing arts, crafts, music, drama or writing. In awarding this scholarship, the Festival’s objective is to encourage graduates who demonstrate financial need and want a career in the arts to acquire sound academic groundings in their chosen fields.

Applications are available at Marblehead High School and at www.MarbleheadFestival.org. All applications for the Art Scholarship must be submitted to the Festival by April 1, 2011.

For the past two years, the Festival has had an additional grant, made by the Milton Bloom Student Art Scholarship Program. Open to students in grades 7-11, the $500 award will go to a deserving student interested in developing his or her artistic talents. Selection shall be based on artistic talent, accomplishments and motivation. Applicants should have a demonstrated passion for art, at least two years of experience, excel in their chosen areas, and seek to expand their artistic horizons. The scholarship, to be awarded to assist a student in paying tuition for a program in the arts, is made possible by contributions donated to a special fund in memory of Milton Bloom.

Applications can be obtained at www.MarbleheadFestival.org., Marblehead High School, Marblehead Veterans Middle School, Marblehead Community Charter Public School, Tower School and Cohen Hillel Academy. The deadline to submit applications for the Bloom Scholarship is May 1, 2011.

An all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, the MFoA produces a summer Arts Festival during the July 4th weekend and sponsors other events and art projects throughout the year. For more information, call 781-639-ARTS or visit www.MarbleheadFestival.org.