Five Brevard Public School Art Educators Selected for 2023 Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarships

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MELBOURNE, Fla., (February 3, 2023) – This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship program at the Community Foundation for Brevard. Since 2016, the program has awarded 45 scholarships to Brevard Public School art educators with the aim to inspire local art instructors and the students they teach. The scholarship will fund tuition, related fees, and room and board for week-long workshops of each teacher’s choice at the internationally recognized visual art education center, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee during the summer of 2023.

Recipients of this year’s Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship:

  • Kimberly Haggard – Quest Elementary, Melbourne
  • Stephanie Peaden – Pinewood Elementary, Mims
  • Jessica Sodano – BPS Virtual, Virtual
  • Holly Vargas – Stone Magnet Middle, Melbourne
  • Maria Werner – Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary, Melbourne

“The ripple effect of this program stretches well beyond these talented and committed art teachers,” said Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard. “These teachers touch thousands of students’ lives and provide them with an outlet for their artistic creativity and enthusiasm. We are so grateful for Nancy and Rick and their philanthropic vision and commitment to art and education, in the classroom and beyond.”

Artist and retired Eastern Florida State College professor of art, Nancy Baur Dillen and her husband Rick created the scholarship program with the Community Foundation for Brevard to give art teachers the opportunity to share, develop and grow as artists and as educators. A committee made up of artists, educators and community members review the applications and make recommendations of finalists to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Providing these scholarships gives our teachers the opportunity to study a subject in depth, stretch their imagination and meet other artists and art teachers from around the country to share ideas that can be brought back to their students and fellow teachers,” said Nancy Baur Dillen. “These experiences rejuvenate the teacher so much that they are excited to return to their classroom, which is a win-win for all.”

About Community Foundation for Brevard

Since 1981 the Community Foundation for Brevard has served as a leader and resource for philanthropic individuals and organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain Brevard’s quality of life. An independent, 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation provides the expertise, network of partners, and information that empowers philanthropists to maximize their impact in addressing critical needs and building a community where everyone can thrive. For more information, call 321-752-5505 or visit cfbrevard.org.

About Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a national art education center. The school offers weekend, one- and two-week workshops for the beginner to advanced artists taught by national and international practicing studio artists and university faculty. Students work and learn in professionally equipped studios on a 14-acre residential campus in Gatlinburg, TN.

 

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