Beth Landin Guest Post: Scholarship Funds for 171 Cedar Arts

The arts have a way of healing. They promote critical thinking, social skills, physical fitness and creativity and, in many cases, offer a positive form of stress relief. Especially during this very stressful time, it is important to focus on something positive. Art, fitness, dance, music and voice lessons can provide stress relief, hope and joy. 

171 Cedar Arts Center is pleased to announce that they have $20,000 in scholarship funds available for those may not be able to afford lessons. Beth Landin, Executive Director of 171 Cedar Arts Center, offers the following information to those interested in applying for a scholarship:

Each year, 171 Cedar Arts Center provides about 40 scholarships to area individuals and families to help make dance lessons, arts and ceramics courses, private music lessons, and fitness classes like Tai Chi, yoga, and fencing accessible to all members of the community. “We are delighted to announce that we will be able to award over $20,000 in scholarships this year because of additional funds from a recent grant, a newly established scholarship, and generous community donations,” says Executive Director, Beth Landin. “Inclusivity is a core value at 171, and we are thrilled to be able to increase opportunities for students in our area, particularly during this difficult time.”

171 Cedar Arts Center received a $15,000 grant from the Edwin Caplin Foundation and Mr. Chretien Risley, Trustee. $7,500 of this grant is designated for scholarships, and the remainder will enable 171 to showcase its students and artists in virtual recitals, exhibits, and productions in 2020.

The Edwin Caplin Foundation Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students who are participating in the Center’s multi-disciplinary arts programming. Over the past decade, the fund has provided nearly 200 area students more than $35,000 in scholarship funds.

The Rosemary Ann Neal Scholarship was funded this year by 171 member Dwayne Thomas Neal and his partner Daniel H. Paquette in memory of his Dwayne’s mother. The scholarship commemorates Rosemary’s love of music and her passion for teaching piano. 171 Cedar Arts Center also received funds for the 171 Experience Art Fund scholarships from generous member donors and during Giving Tuesday Now on May 5, 2020.

171 has two additional scholarship funds: The Charlene Coleman Holland Fund, for private music lessons and the Helen E. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship, which is a merit scholarship for serious art students who have been nominated by their current art instructor or a member of the community.

Anyone interested in applying for scholarships offered by 171 Cedar Arts Center can learn more on their website, www.171CedarArts.org, or by calling 607-936-4647. Applications can be completed online or in-person by appointment to allow for social distancing. The current deadline to apply is August 31, 2020. 

For additional comment or to arrange an interview, contact Mitchell Smith, Marketing Manager, at 607- 936-4647 or smithm@171cedararts.org.