THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO RESIDE IN LAGUNA BEACH

Festival of Arts

For over 50 years, the Festival of Arts scholarship program has supported rising young artists making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts. The Festival is excited to announce that the 2009-2010 scholarship program is now open to ALL high school seniors who reside in Laguna Beach, regardless of which school they attend. The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in Film, Performing Arts (dance, music & theatre arts), Visual Arts and Writing. Applications are available after December 15th online at the Festival’s website www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or at the Festival of Arts office at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. Applicants may apply for any or all of the four categories, but will only be awarded one scholarship. Application deadline is March 6, 2009.

“Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to submit an application in more than one category,” said Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda. She continued, “This is an excellent opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts.”

Auditions and interviews will be scheduled in March and April 2009. Scholarship awards begin at a minimum of $1,000 and can be renewed for a total of four one-year scholarships. Students must return each summer to reapply for a continuation of scholarship status.

Last year, the Festival of Arts awarded $83,500 to 40 college students for the 2008-2009 academic year. Many scholarship winners pursue successful careers in the arts, and some even return to the Festival as exhibiting artists. In addition to Scholarship Committee Chair Pat Kollenda, other committee members include Steve Dicterow, Bob & Marge Earl, Tom Lamb, Jacquie Moffett, Marta Santillano and Ann Webster.

The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. The event is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Proceeds support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.