Woodstock Art Gallery supports young artists through scholarship and mentorship program

The Woodstock Art Gallery is celebrating the winner of its annual scholarship and the launch of a new mentorship program for youth.

Emily Bruinsma is the recipient of the 2024 Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating high school student from Oxford County who will be pursuing post-secondary education in the arts.

Bruinsma, a student at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, will be attending the studio arts program at Western University in the fall.

“After I have completed my bachelor’s degree, I plan on attending teachers’ college and becoming a high school art teacher,” said Bruinsma.

“No matter what happens in the future and where my art takes me, I am looking forward to continuing my studies, learning new techniques and making a positive impact on the community around me.”

Bruinsma was presented the award at the gallery’s spring open house on Saturday, May 8.

The event also marked the launch of Creative Pathways: Emerging Artist Mentorship Program, a new initiative that pairs local high school students with a professional artist to develop an exhibition at the Woodstock Art Gallery.

The exhibition opened in May and features 12 students from the Specialist High Skills Major (SHMS) program at Woodstock Collegiate Institute.

The students worked alongside artist and instructor Lindsay Liboiron to research, plan and create artwork inspired by the theme of nostalgia.

“We are so grateful to offer these meaningful opportunities for engagement, mentorship and professional development to youth in our community and look forward to continuing to provide creative pathways for emerging artists,” said Stephanie Porter, Head of Education.

Creative Pathways is on display in the Community Gallery until June 22, 2024. Six artworks by Bruinsma will also be featured in the second-floor hallway through the summer.