scholarships

Scholarships, based solely on need, are available to attend classes at Chester County Art Association. Funds for various scholarships are raised throughout the year. Two scholarships were generously provided by Chester County residents. They include The Valerie Lamb Smith Memorial Art Fund. It was established in 1997 in honor of the late Chester County artist and educator, who died of cancer. At Valerie Lamb’s request, her husband, Langhorne B. Smith, established an art fund within a community foundation supported by 150 friends and colleagues.

The James Steve and Dee Blackburn scholarship is also available. Steve Blackburn is a sculptor and frequent exhibitor at  CCAA. Steve established the scholarship in part to encourage others to pursue art.

         A native of Chester County, Steve studied art with William Lear, one of  CCAA's founders and a former teacher at Henderson High School in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  According to Steve, Lear encouraged him after he saw his outdoor sculpture project. Steve went on to enter a local steel sculpture competition and won a "Best of Show." A career was born. Today, Steve’s colorful and often witty metal sculpture can be found at various public sites including the grounds of the art center in West Chester. Steve studied sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a supporter of CCAA's annual high school show, where he provides a generous award for the best student sculpture. “It gives them self confidence so they can go out in the world,” Steve said of the benefits of art.

For information about applying for a scholarship, call or use the site contact form .

Scholarship established by Rubinstein's Art Supplies

Students interested in the visual arts will now have more opportunities to study at CCAA. Our existing scholarship program was recently supplemented by an additional scholarship established by Rubinstein's Art Supplies. Thanks to Michael Rubinstein, president of the well-known office & arts supply business in West Chester, the annual scholarship will provide art lessons to talented, up-and-coming students who might not otherwise have a chance to study art.

     Rubinstein, the 3rd generation owner of a business founded in 1915, has been a longtime supporter of CCAA. In addition, his family's business has long been “artist friendly.” Students receive a 33 percent discount on all art supplies, for instance, and in recent years, the art department has been expanded to include every medium used in our classes, from silkscreen and print-making to sculpture supplies. Many know Ray in the framing department – he's been there for 59 years. But newcomer, Ellen Hendrix, who oversees art supply orders, is also there to help.

Interested in sponsoring a scholarship?

Call Paul Andreas at 610 696-5600 x23, or use our site contact form .