Abington Art Center Scholarship a Gift

A couple’s anniversary gift could mean art classes for the less fortunate.

The Abington Art Center is accepting applications for the Gabriel and Alma Elias Scholarship; the scholarship will be doled out to people or families looking to enroll in art classes, camps and workshops who may not have the financial means to do so.

According to Abington Art Center Development Director Betsy Kilkenny, the Elias family has been a supporter of the center for many years. However, this particular donation was the idea of Gabriel and Alma Elias’ children ... it was a 65^th anniversary gift.

“Their parents had a foundation and for many years they basically taught their children the importance of philanthropy,” Kilkenny said. “They instilled in them a very strong belief that if you’re fortunate enough to have, you have to give to others.” 

Kilkenny said she recently spoke with the Elias’ children.

“We started talking specifically about what’s important to them and the different needs of the art center and it really struck a chord with them when we said we wanted to offer more scholarships. They didn’t think anyone should be left out,” Kilkenny said.

According to Kilkenny, the Elias’ children said the scholarship can be summed up with a two-word Hebrew phrase, “tikkun olam,” which means “repairing the world.”

There are about 25 courses offered at the art center, according to Abington Art Center Education Director Marge Horner, and Horner said the $10,000 scholarship will likely serve about 60 families over the next several years.

“Repairing the world” begins with upcoming summer classes.

To receive financial aid for summer courses, applications must be submitted to Horner by June 8. The application is available online at abingtonartcenter.org/scholarships.