Fine arts scholarship available to area seniors

Ozark County high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in fine arts, music or arts education are encouraged to apply for a $500 college scholarship offered by the West Plains Council on the Arts in cooperation with the Gatewood Family.

The scholarship program, which was established to encourage students to enter a career in the art industry, has a particular focus on students interested in pursuing the art through educational outlets.  

The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a 2020 high school graduating senior who lives in either Howell or Ozark Counties. The student must be planning to attend a post-secondary educational program with a designated major in art. Students planning to major in music, art, performance art or art education are all eligible. Those pursuing an art education program will receive higher consideration. 

The application process includes preparing a 500-word essay or a video or audio audition tape on one of the following topics: Will traditional art and/or music survive in the modern world and why? Who or what inspires you? Should art and music receive equal consideration in secondary education? and How do you support the arts? 

Applicants will also be asked to submit a resume detailing extra curricular activities, volunteer activities, community service and jobs held within the past four years. 

Guidelines for the application and a link to the application form are available under the scholarship information tab at westplainsarts.org. Applications may also be requested by mail at WPCA, P.O. Box 339, West Plains, MO 65775. The deadline to submit an application is April 15.

For more information, contact the West Plains Council on the Arts at info@westplainsarts.org.