Superintendent announces Grace N. Aznive Visual Arts Scholarship winners

BOSTON – Superintendent Carol R. Johnson last week awarded the annual Grace N. Aznive Visual Arts Scholarships to four graduating Boston Public Schools (BPS) seniors. Dr. Johnson joined the students, family members, teachers, headmasters and other school officials for a special luncheon at which the students displayed and discussed their artwork and future plans.

Established in 1972 in memory of a distinguished BPS visual arts teacher, the $1,000 scholarship awards are given annually to visual arts students planning to continue their study of art at a college or university.

“An education rich in arts and other enrichment opportunities is our goal for all Boston Public Schools students,” said Dr. Johnson. “These four scholarship winners have certainly taken advantage of the opportunities available to them in the BPS.  I congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best as they continue their arts education in college.”

The 2009 Aznive Scholarship winners are as follows:

•    Julia Andreasson (Roslindale) of Boston Arts Academy – Julia displayed a pen drawing entitled “Eggs and Almond,” an acrylic paint still-life of glass bottles, and a water-based oil painting of Mt. Rainier from her portfolio. She will attend Massachusetts College of Art and Design next year.

•    Liana Farmer (Jamaica Plain) of Boston Latin Academy – Liana displayed slides of her work as her pieces are currently hanging in an exhibit at the Gallery at the Piano Factory. Her works include a book that she designed (and for which she made the paper) as well as a photo of Copley Square on which she used construction paper to show the color values. Liana will attend the Massachusetts College of Art and Design next year.

•    Jacqueline Janssen (Roslindale) of Boston Latin Academy – Jacqueline’s works ranged from a pencil portrait of a friend to a graphic piece on Michael Jackson – which incorporated gloves worn as part of her Halloween costume – to a photo manipulation of pairs of shoes from her mother’s store. Jacquelyn’s college plans will take her oversees next year, and she will study at the London College of Fashion.

•    Ali B. Özdemir (Dorchester) of Boston Arts Academy – Ali’s works ranged from a charcoal self-portrait on brown paper to a clay sculpture of human forms from memory to a black and white photograph taken in Turkey, his father’s native land. Ali’s main artistic interests are anatomy and the human form. He will attend Massachusetts College of Art next year.

To be considered for the scholarships, nominees had to submit a portfolio of eight examples of artwork, including at least two drawings, as well as written essays. A team of external judges evaluated the students’ portfolios looking for students who had gone beyond the assignment, found the artist’s voice, and put forth a polished presentation. The scholarship can be spent on books, art supplies, tuition, or other educational expenses.

Several current Boston Public Schools visual arts teachers are also former recipients of the Grace Aznive Scholarship.

From left to right: Julia, Jacqueline, Dr. Johnson, Liana, and Ali.