Salem Arts Association Presents 2025 Scholarships to Three Local Graduates, Oliver Rodi of Manchester Essex Regional High School, Shawn Anderson Stolarz - Bishop Fenwick High, Peabody MA, and Alejandra Mayorga - Danvers High School.

Salem Arts Scholarships are awarded each spring. This year Salem Arts Association is proudly presenting three scholarships to local students who will attending college in the Fall, with a focus on the arts. In addition, works created by our scholarship winners will be on display at Salem Arts Association from June 1 through June 30, 2025.

We invite you to attend our Salem Arts Association Scholarship Award Presentation at our gallery, 159 Derby Street, at 11:00 AM on Saturday June 14th.

Paula Beaulieu Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2025 Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship is Olivar Rodi. Oliver is graduating from Manchester Essex Regional High School and will be attending University of Maine at Orono Studying Art Education with Studio Art and Art History minors.

The Paula Beaulieu Memorial Art Scholarship awards has been awarded since 2014 to a High School graduate working in the visual arts.

Paula Beaulieu was an active artist in the Salem Arts Association and taught young and old alike through her program “Connect with Their Creativity.” Her family has chosen Salem Arts Association and Salem High School as beneficiaries of any donations made in her honor.

Oliver is a dedicated artist who consistently creates impressive drawings and 3D art, particularly in the realm of clothing. His experience teaching in a middle school art classroom ignited his passion for becoming an art educator.   He is committed to studying art education, where he will master the skills needed to effectively teach and communicate with young people.   With a clear long-term vision, Oliver aims to empower others and discover his purpose in the world through art education.   He will be attending the University of Maine at Orono to realize this ambition.

Ellen Hardy Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2025 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Shawn Anderson Stolarz. Shawn is graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody MA. He will be attending Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston where he will study Fine Arts with a minor in Philosophy and Religion.

Our Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 2018 to a high school graduate working in any visual art, performance, or multi-media. 

Ellen Hardy was a profound influence on the Salem artistic scene through her involvement with the Salem Public Arts Commission, the annual Salem Arts Festival, and Salem Arts Association, which she advocated heavily for. Ellen served for several years as a member and president of Salem Arts Association. She was also a prolific artist and performer herself. We are honored to offer this scholarship program in her memory.

After facing challenges in school with subjects that seemed to come easily to others, Shawn found his true calling in art, which became his passion and refuge. His unique monster and creature creations captivated his peers, earning him enthusiastic praise and affirming his talent. Now, he is eager to pursue a fulfilling career in the arts.  

Shawn will embark on an exciting journey at Tufts University, where he will study Fine Arts at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), complemented by a minor in Philosophy and Religion.

Creative Collective Innovation Award Scholarship

Our Creative Collective Innovation Award is presented to a graduate who demonstrates creative innovation in visual arts, performance, and multi-media. This award encourages inclusive innovation in any creative efforts and celebrates student achievements that take their talent to new places through interdisciplinary work, collaborations, breaking systemic boundaries, and creating outcomes beyond the traditional. Creative Collective harnesses the power of creativity for economic growth and community development.

The recipient of the 2025 Creative Collective Innovation Award is Alejandra Mayorga. Alejandra is graduating from Danvers High School and will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design. 

Alejandra is pursuing art to connect viewers to her experiences and encourage them to embrace their own. Her family serves as one of her primary sources of inspiration, and she expresses herself through her artwork. They keep her connected to her heritage and motivate her to dedicate her art to the universal human experience. Alejandra will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design.

Learn more about our scholarship programs here: https://salemarts.org/scholarship