Art Scholarship

By: Kassidy Smith

Portland High School students with a passion for the arts have several scholarship opportunities to explore as they prepare for college in the 2025–2026 academic year.

These scholarships, offered by organizations across Connecticut, aim to help students continue their studies in fields such as music, performing arts and visual arts.

ARTE Inc., a nonprofit group focused on celebrating and advancing Latino culture, offers financial aid to students of Hispanic or Latino background. To be eligible, applicants must have lived in Connecticut for at least a year and show financial need, academic success and involvement in their communities. The deadline to apply for Juniors is July 18, 2025.

For those pursuing performing arts in college, the Elizabeth Anne Carlson Performing Arts Foundation provides a scholarship worth $6,250 per year, renewable for up to four years. The award is open to graduating high school seniors across the state, with auditions scheduled each May at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Performing Arts.

Aspiring musicians can apply for the Mike Crandall Memorial Scholarship, a $2,000 one-time award managed by the Connecticut Blues Society. The scholarship supports public high school  seniors planning to study music in college, either as a major or minor. Applicants must submit a video showcasing a recent musical performance. Applications are due by June 15, 2025.

In addition to statewide options, Portland High School offers local opportunities such as the Sophia Robinson Scholarship and the Rana Kuzminski Scholarship, both of which are geared toward students pursuing the arts. “The Sophia Robinson Scholarship is just for an art student. That’s one that’s personal to Portland,” explained guidance counselor Karen Risley. “There’s also the Rana Kuzminski Scholarship, which goes to someone pursuing either music or art.”

While scholarships vary in amount, many provide $500 to $1,000, and each has unique application requirements. “Most will ask for basic bio info, involvement in activities, a transcript, and a short personal statement,” said Risley. “But the biggest mistake students make is not applying at all. We’re often begging kids to apply to scholarships that families and organizations are ready to give away.”

For students hoping to secure art-based scholarships, submitting a strong portfolio is key. Portland High School’s art teacher Michelle Ignatowicz emphasized the importance of variety and skill. “You want to show a variety of skills and more than one type of media. Drawing is foundational—especially realistic pencil work,” she said. “If you’re including 3D work like sculpture, good-quality photos are crucial. Presentation matters.”

When selecting artwork for a portfolio, she advised students to focus on technical skill and cohesion. “Foundational skills and your ability to work in multiple mediums like drawing and painting are important,” she added. “But if you have a specific passion or style, let that come through—especially in your artist statement.”

Confidence can be a hurdle for young artists, but Ignatowicz encouraged students to be bold: “It’s vulnerable, but art is an extension of your experience. Make the choice to be courageous. Know the value of your work, even if not everyone understands it.”

Students are encouraged to begin preparing their scholarship applications early in senior year. Resources like Naviance can help connect students with legitimate opportunities. “Never pay for a scholarship search,” Risley warned. “Use trusted resources like Naviance where we post both local and national scholarships.”

As students craft their essays and artist statements, the key is authenticity. “A great essay comes from revising and having others read it—especially those who know you and your passion,” Risley said. “Ask, ‘Does this really capture who I am as an artist?’”

One student who plans to study art in college said the scholarship process seems overwhelming. “I’ve always wanted to pursue art, but with the number of different scholarships I didn’t know where to start and it’s kind of intimidating when you’re not sure what you need or if you’re even good enough.” 

With dedication and the right support, Portland High School’s artists have a real opportunity to turn their creativity into careers.

Students interested in applying should visit the school counseling office for more details and guidance through the application process.