Each year, the Suffield Arts Council offers Art Scholarships to Suffield residents, age 17 and older, who wish to pursue further study in music, drama, dance, photography, visual arts (canvas to video) or creative writing, etc. In the past number of years, the total prize money has been $3,000, split among the award recipients. Award recipients can win a total of 3 times. Award monies are granted on the condition that artists use it to further their artistic craft. It may be used for supplies, towards a new instrument or in other ways to advance the artist in his or her field. Award monies are set up in accounts for the artist to draw upon at their college bookstore, local art supply / music store, instructors, etc.

Applicants must present their work for the area of concentration listed on their application in front of a panel of judges and are to be no more than 10 minutes. Auditions / Presentations are closed to the public, but open to all Suffield Arts Council board members.

Applications are usually distributed by the Kent Memorial Library and available via the link above by early May. Auditions /  presentations are held on a weeknight in early/mid June. The date, time and location of the auditions / presentations will be confirmed by May of the year of the award.

The number of award recipients may vary each year depending upon the amount of money available from the council. Award monies are made available by the generous contributions of the Suffield Arts Council from the Arts membership, through fundraising efforts by the council each year and sponsorship by Suffield community businesses. Awards are granted on a combination of talent, presentation and need. All are not equally weighed. A lot depends upon the pool of applicants each year.

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old

• Live in Suffield or West Suffield.

• Applicants must present their work in front of a panel of judges, up to 10 minutes.

• Provide the following documents by the application deadline:

1. Completed Scholarship Application

2. A personal letter of recommendation

3. A letter of recommendation from a person working in your field of interest

4. A 3-5 paragraph personal essay

Note: Applicants from prior years can re-use previously submitted recommendation letters.

Just notify us which ones to reuse and we will pull them from our files.

�� It is very important that each applicant present their work in the concentration listed on their application.

�� The artist is responsible for providing whatever props they need in order to present their art (easel, music stand, chairs, piano or tape/CD player), unless otherwise requested on their application and agreed to by the Scholarships Committee.

�� Because this is a visual audition, it is important that applicants portray themselves professionally. Dress to impress!

�� Be prepared to present you craft. It helps to practice presenting your work in front of your family and friends.

Start off with a verbal preface and conclude with one at the end. Present work that will let their talent show through. If presenting a performing art, you will want to present something that you perform well and this doesn’t always mean to present your most difficult work. Try to portray your passion for your craft.

If you are performing a musical piece or dance:

   Give the title and author of the piece

   Maybe describe why you’ve chosen this music

   Introduce an accompanist you may have

If you need assistance with running a cassette/CD player, bring someone else to operate this for you – you should concentrate on your performance.

If presenting a visual work (photo, painting, video, etc)

   Describe your piece.

   Why did you bring it to the competition?

What is special about this? – feelings, a special technique.

If presenting a written work,

   Describe your piece.

   Before starting, give the title of the piece and your name as the author.

   Read your work with the conviction you wrote it with.

   Provide a copy to the judges.

�� Be prepared to talk about yourself. Often the judges want to know about you and your craft. For example:

How did you get interested in your art? Is there a particular financial need for this scholarship? How long have you been doing your art? Who has been most influential to you in guiding you in your art?

Any questions, contact Lynda Montefusco  (860-888--9558).