Salem Arts Association Presents 2024 Scholarships to Three Local Graduates, Jessica Valatka of Salem High School, Elisha Torres of KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate, and Lianna Ao of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical 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. Each scholarship is presented with a $1000 award. In addition works created by our scholarship winners will be on display at Salem Arts Association from June 1 through July 27, 2024.

We invite you to attend our Salem Arts Association Scholarship Award Presentation at our gallery, 159 Derby Street, at 1:00 PM on Sunday June 16th.

Ellen Hardy Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2024 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Jessica Valatka. Jessica is graduating from Salem High School. She will be attending University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

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

Jessica Valatka believes art is her “strongest way to communicate,” and she has won multiple awards, including, most recently, Best in School for the 6th District Congressional Art Show. She has been actively involved in local arts organizations, including Raw Art Works and Acorn Gallery School of Art, and served as a mural ambassador for the Punto Urban Art Museum. These experiences demonstrated to her the “power of art in shaping culture, education, equity, and sustainability.” Jessica plans to leverage the power of art in the built environment by studying Art, Urban Planning, and Resource Economics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, starting with a sustainability/art-focused study abroad program in London during her first semester.

Paula Beaulieu Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2024 Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship is Alisha Torres. Alisha is graduating from KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate and will be attending Boston University.

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

Elisha Torres earned two Gold Key and three Silver Key awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards this year, and her artwork has been displayed in the Galleries at Lynn Arts’ Black Excellence 2024 exhibition and the MFA Boston’s Portraits of Leadership virtual exhibition, among others. One of her teachers praised Elisha’s “creative prowess” and “the fortitude of her character,” as well as her “attention to detail and exceptional craft.” She has been a dedicated artist employee for Artists in Action, an art-focused community service group at Raw Art Works. Elisha will build on these strengths and pursue her “passion for the arts, problem-solving, and public communication” by studying Fine Arts at Boston University.

Creative Collective Innovation Award Scholarship

Our Creative Collective Innovation Award is presented to a graduate from any Northshore school 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.

The recipient of the 2024 Creative Collective Innovation Award is Lianna Ao. Lianna is graduating from Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School and will be attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design. 

Drawing has been the center of Lianna Ao's life since she was ten years old, as she “immersed herself in fictional worlds of her own design.” Her inclusion on the High Honor Roll at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School demonstrates her talent and hard work in the Design and Media Communications program. Liana also turned her talents to her high school yearbook, and one of her teachers noted that she “is extremely creative, intelligent, driven, and has developed a signature art style that her audience recognizes as her own.” Lianna will bring these talents to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she will major in Illustration to prepare for a career as a concept artist.

Scholarship Finalists

In addition to our Salem Arts Association Scholarship Winners listed above we honor a selection of finalists each year who also deserve recognition for their creative accomplishments. 

William Napierkowski - Salem High School 

Musician William Napierkowski has performed extensively, including as the Lead/Principal Trumpet in the Salem High School Jazz Ensemble; the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and Orchestra; and the Chelmsford Big Band, to name just a few. He was also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, served as a mentor for the Northeast Massachusetts Intermezzo Youth Orchestra, and taught brass at the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras Summer Program. At the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, William will prepare for a career as a professional trumpet player and music teacher. William noted, “My parents are both music educators so growing up I've always seen the impact a teacher can make on a student's life, especially in music.” 

Milo Clarke - Danvers High School

Milo Clarke was a member of the National Art Honors Society and won first place in the photography division at the 2023 We’re Next exhibition at the Danvers Art Association. Milo has worked as an Art teacher/camp counselor for the Danvers Art Association and as a youth gymnastics coach. They have demonstrated their passion for social justice through organizations like the Vocal Alliance, a social justice-focused musical group that Milo helped to establish at Danvers High School. They will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst to pursue a Studio Art BFA with a concentration in Photography/Intermedia. Milo notes, “Through the visual arts field, I plan to promote change, diversity, self-expression, and creativity for myself and others.”

Luke Panameno - Lynn English High School

Luke Panameno is an employee and mentee at Raw Art Works, where they work as a muralist in Good 2 Go, which utilizes public art projects to create positive change in the community. Luke was president of Lynn English High School’s Film/TV Production Club, which created a short film, and turned their creativity to the school’s Tabletop Role-Playing Games Club. At Hampshire College, Luke will study animation/film and marine science and history. Luz-Marie notes, “I hope to use my experiences in higher education and life to be an artist, scholar and activist. I've grown up on art and animation; I started animating when I was a pre-teen and have always wanted to be a professional artist and filmmaker.”

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

Salem Arts Association Presents 2023 Scholarships to Three Local Graduates, Gavin Legan of Salem High School, Allie Nicastro of Gloucester High School, and Chiara Cole of Salem 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. Each scholarship is presented with a $1000 award. In addition works created by our scholarship winners will be on display at Salem Arts Association from June 4 through July 29, 2023.

We invite you to attend our Salem Arts Association Scholarship Award Presentation at our gallery, 159 Derby Street, at 1:00 PM on Saturday June 17^th.

Ellen Hardy Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2022 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Gavin Legan. Gavin is graduating from Salem High School and attended North Shore Community College as part of a program for high school students. He will be attending University of Massachusetts.

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

Gavin Legan was a National Arts Honors Society student while at Salem High School and participated in AP art courses to further his creative efforts. He also participated in arts education at North Shore Community College. Gavin has been an active member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem where he acted as a mentor to younger students and developed lesson plans involving environmental studies. In 2018 Gavin also participated the Young at Art exhibition at Salem Arts Association. He plans to study art and science at UMASS Boston where he’ll explore the intersections of these disciplines. 

In his own statement Gavin Legan refers to himself as an “Artistic Explorer”. “I am inspired by bio-design and marine biology. My dream is to work with researchers at sea or on land connecting technology, marine life, and science to art. Helping spell out the complexities of science without using words -- A science that reaches the visual and creative learners. Creating art through effective partnerships will make science accessible and relatable to a wide array of learners-learners like me- who thought they never had a chance.”

Salem Arts Association is proud to offer Gavin Legan the Ellen Hardy Memorial Art School Scholarship. Ellen Hardy would have enjoyed Gavin’s curiosity and his path is very close to the interests expressed in Ellen Hardy’s own works.  When we first met Gavin Legan as a creative entrepreneur selling his work during the Salem Arts Festival in 2018. We were impressed with his creativity and attitude as a young artist. Gavin continued to impress us when he participated in our Young at Art exhibition at our galleries. We’re very proud that Gavin has continued to express himself through art and continues to explore the world through art.

Paula Beaulieu Memorial Art School Scholarship

The recipient of the 2023 Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship is Allie Nicastro. Allie is graduating from Gloucester High School and will be attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).

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

Allie Nicastro has been a very active artist during her high school experience. She is also credited by both the National Honor Society and the National Arts Honor Society.

As an avid member of the Gloucester Youth Leadership Council, she was able to organize activities for at-risk youth. Allie is on the Gloucester Citywide Arts Festival Committee, as the student representative. She also teaches art classes at Art Haven which has helped her learn that she loves sharing my passion for the arts and has contributed to her desire to become an art teacher after college.

Allie recently created a mural at Gloucester High School, She has won a People’s Choice in the Crane Estate Student Art Show, and, two Silver Keys and one Gold Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Her painting will also be hung in the Congressional Art Awards. She also has her first Solo Exhibit currently on display at BankGloucester. 

In her scholarship application Allie Nicastro says “The one thing that has always felt right is art. My art makes me feel valuable, accomplished, and aware of who I am. Going to art school will allow me to create a lifetime revolving around my passion. It is crucial to me that I share my love of creating and inspiring. Art is not only my favorite way to express myself and spend my time, but also what makes me feel safe and complete.”

In a message from our scholarship sponsors, Matthew and Daniel Beaulieu, they say “On behalf of our Mother, Paula Beaulieu, we are excited to offer this year's Paula Beaulieu Scholarship to Allie Nicastro from Gloucester. For those who did not know our Mom, she was a teacher and an artist.  She took pride in helping her students find their passion thru art and the magic that can be brought to life on a piece canvas.  Our Mom would be proud to see that Allie is pursuing a similar path with her continued education and touching additional lives thru her art.”

We congratulate you on your graduation from Gloucester High School, we commend your dedication to your passion as an artist. We wish you great success at MassArt.

Creative Collective Innovation Award Scholarship

Our Creative Collective Innovation Award is presented to a graduate from any Northshore school 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.

The recipient of the 2023 Creative Collective Innovation Award is Chiara Joelle Cole. Chiara is graduating from Salem High School and will be attending John Hopkins University. 

Miss Cole impresses with a long list of accomplishments including National Honor Society and National Arts Honor Society recognition, Creative Director and Editor of her school newspaper, Varsity Tennis, Student Leader of the Witch Mix Club, OSM Bilingual Tutoring, and Salem High School Theater Club, and has exhibited at Marblehead Arts Association and Neville Museum.

Chiara has received numerous awards including Best in Show in Photo Illustration (Kettle Moraine Press Association), Honorable Mention in News Multimedia Packages (Kettle Moraine Press Association), John Lewis Teen Art Contest 1st Place Winner, AP Scholar With Honor, Polyglot Award (German and Spanish), School Scholars Recognition Salem High School

In her words, Chiara Cole says “As an artist I am empowered to make a lifelong commitment of utilizing my art as a tool that ignites change, sparks discussions, and provides educational information for others. I am choosing to become an activist through art because art pushes me to push boundaries and critically express my emotions and thoughts. Receiving a university education allows me to strengthen the technical, conceptual, and professional skills needed for me to continue this pursuit. Additionally, pursuing higher education allows me to build connections with people of different backgrounds and push myself outside of my comfort zone.”

Our scholarship sponsor, John Andrews at Creative Collective notes “When I first conceived of this sponsorship opportunity, I held high hopes that the applicants possess skill and versatility across multiple mediums and styles. Among all the talented young creators, Chiara has truly stood out, not only showcasing impressive skills but also demonstrating a keen willingness to explore diverse styles and mediums. I am delighted to acknowledge Chiara's remarkable talents and their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.” 

We congratulate you on your graduation from Salem High School, we commend your dedication to your passion as an artist. We wish you great success at Johns Hopkins University.

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

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. 

We invite you to attend our Salem Arts Association Scholarship Award Presentation at our gallery, 159 Derby Street, at 1:00 PM on Saturday June 18th

The recipient of the 2022 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Lena Ruth Faeskorn. Lena is graduating her homeschool program and will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design. 

Our Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 2018 to a graduate from any Salem school, or a student member of the Salem Arts Association working in any visual art, performance, and multi-media. 

Miss Faeskorn will focus her education in film and television with a minor in music production. She’s specifically interested in documentary filmmaking. Lena’s multi-disciplinary background was enhanced through her participation in the film program at Raw Artworks in Lynn. A program that fosters growth for young and emerging talent in many forms of media and artwork. Being homeschooled her entire life has given Lena a self-directed and independent spirit allowing her to form interests organically leading to a discovery that a career in art and filmmaking is her ultimate goal.  

She tells us in her application for the scholarship that “I would perceive this scholarship award as my hometown putting its trust in me to make good on my intentions, to work hard, and to share my creative work with a wider audience. It would be an honor and a privilege to attend SCAD knowing that the local arts community has my back”.

The recipient of the 2022 Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship is Leena Sarhan. Leena is graduating from Salem High School and will be attending Boston University. 

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

Leena Sarhan will be focusing her learning in the areas of printmaking and photography at Boston University. Much of Leena’s inspiration comes from her Palestinian lineage and growing up away from her family’s heritage. She expresses her creative output with editorial and artistic photographs depicting her ancestral and adopted cultures. Learning to become secure in her roots while living in America has been a journey that also produced creative output as her creative voice. Leena Sarhan refuses to suppress her Palestinian identity. We’re proud to recognize her courage and self-expression. 

In 2022 we introduced the new Creative Collective Innovation Award presented to a graduate from any Northshore school 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.

The recipient of the 2022 Creative Collective Innovation Award is Arianna Maria Shalhoub. Arianna is graduating from Austin Preparatory School and will be attending Tufts University. 

Miss Shalhoub impresses with a long list of accomplishments including National Honor Society recognition, Cheerleading Captain, Best Buddies Club Officer, and a host of volunteer and extra-curricular activities including sports and dance. She founded her school’s Animation Club and created commissions as a freelance illustrator. Arianna is a self-taught artist who picked up an interest in drawing at an early age. Her pride seeing her artwork on display as a young artist helped push her self-motivation. She also values writing composition, music, dance, video, theater, as well as animation and illustration. Arianna Shalhoub is a leader with an innovative spirit. It’s our honor to recognize Arianna’s innovation in visual and performing arts. 

This year Salem Arts Association is proudly presenting two scholarships to two local students who will attending college in the Fall, with a focus on the arts.

The recipient of the 2021 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Erin Survilas. Erin is graduating from Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School and will be attending Montserrat College of Art.

The recipient of the 2021 Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship is Carlian Diaz-Guerrero. Carlian is graduating from Salem High School and will be attending Maryland Institute College of Art.

Carlian Diaz-Guerrero and Eris Survillas

Salem Arts Association scholarships are presented in memory of two of the organizations early members who were instrumental in building the foundations of Salem Arts Association – The Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship and the Paula Beaulieu Memorial Arts Scholarship. Ellen Hardy had 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, for which she was a powerful advocate. Ellen served for several years as a member and president of Salem Arts Association. 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.

Erin and Carlian will both receive $1,000.00 to assist with education expenses along with complimentary memberships to Salem Arts Association as student members. An awards ceremony was held at Salem Arts galleries, 159 Derby Street, on Saturday July 19, 2021.

Photo Gallery

Artwork by Erin Survilas

Artwork by Carlian Diaz-Guerrero

Survilas and Hardy Families

(Kirk Survilas, Janis Survilas, Erin Survilas, Heather Stewart, Lois Hardy, Cheryl Hardy-Faraci, Pat Hardy)

Guerrero and Beaulieu Family

(Mia Beaulieu, Daniel Beaulieu, Carlian Diaz-Guerrero, Heather Stewart, Carlos Guerrero)

For more information about Salem Arts Association Scholarships click here: Scholarship Programs

Salem Arts Association proudly presented this year’s scholarship to Kaylyn Sverker. Kaylyn’s art explorations have gone beyond Salem High School attending art classes for six years at RAW Art Works in Lynn. For four of those years Kaylyn participated in the Real to Reel Film School program. Kaylyn also helps her mother with Timmy’s Angels, a non-profit that assists children and families on the North Shore. One of Kaylyn’s Real to Reel films is a promotion for Timmy’s Angels. Kaylyn will be attending Montserrat College of Art.

Via a virtual presentation using ZOOM we awarded our 2020 Scholarship was awarded by James Bostick, Salem Arts Association President, from our new galleries with Kaylin Sverker, Her parents Staci and Carl, members of the Hardy and Beaulieu families in attendance including Daniel and Matthew Beaulieu, Sons of Paula Beaulieu, and members of Ellen Hardy’s family including her parents Lois and Paul Hardy, brother Paul Hardy, and sisters Patricia Hardy and Cheryl Hardy-Faraci. 

This year’s award was a combination of two scholarship awards - The Paula Beaulieu Arts Scholarship and The Ellen Hardy Scholarship. 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. 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.

Kaylyn reacted to receiving the award: “I feel honored that you chose me for this scholarship. Art and filmmaking has always been a passion of mine. I’m attending Montserrat this upcoming fall. Being awarded this scholarship, this will help me with paying any expenses. “

It was serendipitous that James Bostick, President of Salem Arts Association, visited the Paul Nathan Gallery and Museum on Derby Street in Salem. Jim struck up a conversation with Paul and ideas began to form. Discussions where had. Agreements were reached. Now renovations have begun. In April Salem Arts Association will open the doors to the public in the large, historic, yellow building at 159 Derby Street – in the Historic Derby Street Neighborhood and abutting the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Paul is a retired lawyer and working artist who had converted his former law offices, two years ago, to a gallery to show and sell his own artwork. One can imagine the challenges of maintaining a single person gallery, so Paul was thinking about what might be next. What’s next is that Salem Arts will move into the space, taking over most of the first and second floors with Paul maintaining one room as his own gallery. As Paul has said, “It is a wonderful building. It has historic charm. It sits on the corner of an absolute gem of a public park. The Custom House, the Friendship, the wharf, pedestrians. I can go on and on. People smile when they walk in. The building just feels good.”

Salem Arts President James Bostick says "This is a very exciting time for Salem Arts. The creative roots of the Salem Arts Association community have grown and prospered over the past decade thanks to the dedication of our artists and volunteers. Our new space, growing group of artists, and continued support of the Salem community will allow Salem Arts to continue to advance. We look forward to an exciting future in the historic Derby Street neighborhood offering outstanding exhibitions in the galleries, educational workshops, and other events and performances to delight our members and supporters."

Founded in 2007, Salem Arts Association has spent the past 14 years growing. Starting as a small group of artists on Salem’s Artists’ Row the Association maintained it’s vision and mission to bring art, in all its forms, to the community and bring the community, in all its diversity, to the arts in Salem, Massachusetts. As the group of artists continued to grow the Salem Arts Association Gallery moved in 2015 to a space on the Essex Street walking mall at the generosity of the Peabody Essex Museum. The New PEM construction prompted a move to “The Bridge at 211”, the former Salem Universalists Society church building at 211 Bridge Street where the organization flourished since 2017 and continued to grow and establish our reputation as a collective of Northshore artists, musicians, writers, and performers. From our early roots Salem Arts has become one of Salem’s largest arts institutions now serving a membership of more than 300 artists and art lovers. Such growth prompted the need to search for a new home that offers the creative community and Salem’s residents a showcase of what our local artists and craftspeople have to offer. 

2020 brings the latest growth opportunity for Salem Arts with a move to 159 Derby Street. This historic neighborhood places the gallery amongst Salem's most popular sites including the House of the Seven Gables and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Salem Arts Association proudly presented scholarships to Sophie Collins and Emma Currier-Dougherty.

Emma Currier-Dougherty was awarded The Paula Beaulieu Arts Scholarship. Emma will attend UMASS Amherst to study fine art. Emma has been active in many of Salem High School's programs including Drama, Chorus, and Art Honor Society. Emma was also active with Raw Art Works in Lynn.

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.

Presenting for the Paula Beaulieu Scholarship was her son Matthew Beaulieu and Salem Arts Board Vice President Judith Coughlin.

The Ellen Hardy Scholarship was presented this year to Sophie Collins of Salem High School and plans to attend Salem State University to advance her acting and theater skills. In addition to being featured in many theater productions she has also participated in the school's chamber singer group, A Capella singers,  Marching Band, and National Music Honor Society. 

Ellen 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.

Attending the presentation at Salem High School, Along with our winners Sophie Collins and Emma Currier-Dougherty, was Salem Arts Association Board Members James Bostick (president), and Judith Coughlin (Vice President), along with friends and family members.

With great pride Salem Arts Association presented scholarships to Elizabeth Embick-Porter and Connor Heenan at Salem High School. 

Connor Heenan was awarded The Paula Beaulieu Arts Scholarship. Connor will attend the Massachusetts College of Art and Design to study fine art and design. Connor has been active in many school programs including yearbook, band/music programs, Honor Society, and has shown work in a special exhibition at the Endicott College gallery. Connor was the recipient of the 2017 Art Speaks Award. 

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.

Presenting for the Paula Beaulieu Scholarship was her son Daniel Beaulieu. 

Elizabeth Embick-Porter Received The Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship. Elizabeth will be attending the film program at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque to study art and filmmaking. In addition to her studies at Salem High School Elizabeth has also participated in the Raw Art Works Reel 2 Reel film program for the past five years. 

This is the first year fo the Ellen Hardy Scholarship. Ironically today is Ellens birthday. Ellen 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.

Presenting for the Ellen Hardy Scholarship was her Mother Lois Hardy, father Paul Hardy, Her husband Kenneth Weaver, Brother Paul Hardy, and two sisters Cheryl Hardy-Faraci and Patricia Hardy. 

Attending the presentation at Salem High School, Along with our winners Connor Heenan and Elizabeth Embick-Porter, was Principal David Angeramo, Art Department Chairperson Lynne Mullen, Salem Arts Association Board Members James Bostick (president), Judith Coughlin (Vice President), and Joanna Shellenberger (Treasurer).

The Salem Arts Association is very pleased to announce the The Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship. Ellen Hardy was the driving force behind the Salem Arts Association of many years as an early member and as president through 2015. Ellen was instrumental to our growing organization's success and we celebrate her contributions to the arts in Salem.

We at Salem Arts Association were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Ellen Hardy following her battle with cancer. Ellen was an early Salem Arts Association Member and led the Association as president until 2016. Her mark on the Salem Arts community is profound and she has touched the creative spirit of countless people. Even more profound was her multi-disciplinary artistic talents as a painter, photographer, and performer. Her legacy will be marked by many. 

Among Ellen's countless contributions to Salem Arts was her work to shine a spotlight on Salem's Artist Row during it's earlier years. She worked tirelessly to make the Salem Arts Association the centerpiece of "The Row" through her event planning skills and friendships with Salem's artists and performers who turned our little shanty into a vibrant social experience. 

Ellen was the instrumental catalyst who worked closely with the Peabody Essex Museum to secure our gallery and retail space at 179 Essex St. where we enjoyed huge success that eventually lead us to our current new home at The Bridge at 211. 

In addition to Ellen's dedication to the Salem Arts Association she was a prolific artist. Her multi-disciplinary skill ranged form photography to Painting in En-Plein-Air, collage, construction, and even performance art painting with her beloved ensemble "The Avant-Guardians" and her  "Art Attack" performance events. 

Salem Arts Association owe's a deep debt of gratitude to Ellen Hardy's perseverance and dedication. While we will miss Ellen's enigmatic spirit her legacy will live on through the success of our growing organization. 

On behalf of our Board of Directors and our membership we thank you Ellen. We are pleased to honor your legacy with this scholarship.

Ellen Gibson Hardy (May 18, 1952 — June 18, 2017)

An artist at heart, Ellen forged a career in the Art, Graphic Design, and Publishing world. She founded her own company, Hardy House, which was a full-service Art and Design business of which she was the proprietor for over 19-years working with the likes of MIT, Harvard, Yale, and many other educational and professional organizations. During the years as president of Hardy House she began to exhibit her own artwork at galleries throughout New England and taught Graphic Arts at the Cambridge Adult Center for Education and at Phillips Academy where she also served as Director of Publications for over 14 years.

Ellen 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.

Award Purpose and Eligibility:

The Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship will award one or more scholarships of $500 each spring to a senior-year student attending any Salem school (public, charter, or private) who is pursuing visual arts education either through a university program or through an art school in the fall following their graduation. Visual arts, graphic design, performing arts, music, acting, or other areas of creative expression will be considered. Ellen Hardy was a founding member and served as President of the Salem Arts Association through 2015. She was very active in contributing to the Salem Arts Associations success and was also a prolific artist and performer herself. We are honored to offer this scholarship program in her memory.

DONATIONS

If you wish to make a donation in Ellen Hardy's name please indicate in your comment the you wish funds to go to the "Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship" when visiting our Donation Page.

For more info, or to apply, please visit our Salem Arts Scholarships page. or email to Scholarship@SalemArts.org

The Salem Arts Association is proud to announce the presentation of the Paula Beaulieu Arts Scholarship to Camryn Connolly, a 2017 Salem High School graduate, attending Boston College as an art major in the fall.

caption: June 25 presentation of the Paula Beaulieu Scholarship. Left to Right is Salem Arts President Mary Best, Scholarship winner Camryn Connolly, and Matthew Beaulieu, son of Paula Beaulieu. 

• Winner: Camryn Connolly
• Age: 18
• School: Salem High School
• College she is attending in the fall: Boston University

After review of her impressive artistic talent and skills, Dan and Matt Beaulieu, the sons of the artist for which this scholarship was established, felt Camryn was especially deserving of this scholarship.

At 4PM on Sunday, 25 June Camryn Connolly was presented with her Scholarship check for $1,000 by the Beaulieu brothers. The Salem Arts has hosted this event for several years and is proud to once again facilitate the award of the Beaulieu Scholarship to a Salem High school senior.

Camryn has been very active during her high school years with sports, peer mentoring for freshman entering High school and the National Art Society, among many other worthwhile endeavors. As Camryn enters the arts at Boston University this fall we are sure she will quickly set herself apart with her artistic pursuits.

The Paula Beaulieu Scholarship was established by the Beaulieu family in honor of their late mother. Mrs. Beaulieu was an artist and art teacher in the Salem and Reading school systems. Along with the scholarship, Dan and Matt Beaulieu, Paula’s sons, will be presenting Camryn with a check for $1,000.

The Paula Beaulieu Scholarship is a perpetual one, which is awarded each year for $1,000 to a student pursuing the visual arts either through a university program or through an art school. All of the visual arts will be considered. 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. 

The Salem Arts congratulates Camryn and wishes her great success. More information can be found on the Salem Arts Website. http://www.salemartsassociation.org/

About Salem Arts Association

The Salem Arts Association is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit arts organization. Our mission is “To bring art, in all its forms, to the community and bring the community, in all its diversity, to the arts in Salem, Massachusetts”. Our membership is open to artists working in all media and all disciplines are welcome, as are arts lovers, enthusiasts, and patrons.

Salem Arts Gallery Hours are every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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