By Jenn Walker
Art supply store helps out, writes Jenn Walker.
Loomis and Toles is nourishing the evolution of Ottawa’s arts community by granting Ottawa School of Art students financial and professional support under the “Adopt a Student” scholarship program.
After granting the first scholarship to two students for the 2001-2002 school year, the art store and the Ottawa School of Art are preparing to choose next year’s recipients.
James MacAulay, 20, is one of two recipients of the ‘Adopt a Student’ scholarship program. As part of this program Loomis and Toles has given MacAulay $500 towards his tuition at the Ottawa School of Art, gift certificates for supplies from the Bank Street store, and the opportunity to display his work in the front window of the store.
MacAulay feels very fortunate to have been chosen for the scholarship.
“We all know how difficult it is to make tuition payments. But what is really great is that people who I know that didn’t know I received the scholarship have seen my work in the window of the store and have complimented me on it. I feel a great sense of accomplishment.”
MacAulay is in his second year with the Ottawa School of Art, taking life drawing last year, and animation this year. After completing his program in animation from the Ottawa School of Art MacAulay hopes to pursue computer animation at Algonquin College.
MacAulay was interested in theatre in high school, and continues to coach his former high school’s improvisation team. His background in theatre has inspired him to incorporate acting principles into his work using expression through characters. He says he wants to work in animation professionally some day.
“It’s a wonderful partnership,” says Sonya Lismer, executive director of the Ottawa School of Art about the school’s relationship with Loomis and Toles. “It’s a great way for Loomis and Toles to reach out to the community and give something back, and our students receive the recognition, encouragement and support they deserve. We are very pleased with this program.”
“We want to help local art students get a leg-up in their studies,” says Meredith Lyman, assistant manager at Loomis and Toles. “Ottawa has a very rich arts community, and it is constantly growing. This city is so fortunate to have an institution like the Ottawa School of Art, and I think it is really important to foster that growth by working with the school to help students.”
This was the first time Loomis and Toles has awarded such a scholarship.
Both Lismer and Lyman hope the program will continue in the future.
“What’s so great about this partnership is that we are able to help students accomplish their goals and help Ottawa’s artistic community grow in ways that don’t just involve money,” says Lyman.
The scholarship is given based on financial need and artistic potential. Students applying must already be enrolled in the school, and must submit a portfolio of their works along with a description of how they would benefit from the scholarship.
A jury composed of faculty members from the school evaluate the students and award the scholarship to the best candidate.
“Everyone benfits from this scholarship program,” says Lismer.
MacAulay says he is thankful that the art store is supporting him in what he loves to do.
“I like creating things that make people think ‘Wow,’” he says. “There is nothing more rewarding to an artist than having his or her work acknowledged by the public.”