The Santa Ynez Valley Arts Association (SYVAA) recently announced the 2017 Arts Scholarships winners for local arts students.
Caira Moniot, a student at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (SYVUHS), is the first place winner. Elizabeth Brau, also a student at SYVUHS, is the second place winner. The scholarship awards are meant to recognize achievements in the visual arts and help defray college expenses.
Moniot plans to use her scholarship award toward attending Santa Barbara City College, where she plans to continue her art studies in addition to communication and journalism. Throughout high school, Moniot pursued studio art studies in multiple media. Judges were impressed by her work, according to a SYVAA press release, and also noted that combining journalism and art was a “positive goal.”
Brau also plans to continue her art studies at Santa Barbara City College. The SYVAA jury committee admired her work with three-dimensional materials as well as other media. The jury also noted that her piece was playful and humorous, according to the release.
The scholarship program is part of SYVAA’s outreach to support arts in the community. Since 1990, the program has funded scholarships for more than 60 students. Funds come from grants from local foundations, donations to the SYVAA’s General Scholarship Fund, and income from SYVAA events, such as the Quick Draw Festival. More info: santaynezvalleyarts.org.
This article appears in May 25 – Jun 1, 2017.
