The Emerging Texas Artist Scholarship Program is underwritten by James Avery Craftsman.
What is it?
The Emerging Texas Artist Scholarship Program was conceived by TACEF as a way to give students the opportunity to win scholarship money, exhibit and sell their art, and receive mentorship from professional artists at the Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair.
The program provides recognition and opportunities to up-and-coming Texas Artists by allowing participants to show and sell their artwork, awarding scholarship funds to continue education, as well as exposing them to the general public, professional artists, and potential employers. The students and their artwork are exposed to the Fair’s 20,000+ attendees who purchase over $800,000 worth of art each year at the Fair. The Foundation also generates press releases and promotional materials to provide recognition throughout the state for the participants, colleges, and winners of the Emerging Texas Artist Scholarship Program.
In addition, the program provides a venue for participating colleges to distribute school literature and discuss their art programs with prospective students and attendees at the Fair.
How do I win the scholarship funds?
Students are grouped in school-specific booths which are placed amongst professional exhibitors, who in turn mentor the students in booth set-up and pricing. A student-only juried competition determines the Emerging Texas Artist ($5000), runner-up ($2500), and one special mention in six categories of art (six $1250 awards). These scholarship funds are available with thanks to James Avery Craftsman and TACEF.
Who can participate?
Any student, undergraduate through graduate, who is enrolled in an accredited Texas college.
Can I participate more than once?
Yes! You may participate as a student artist twice. Following your last year as a student artist, you will be invited to attend as a professional exhibitor free of charge.
How does it work?
Any accredited Texas college may become involved in the program by reserving booth space at the Fair and nominating students to exhibit in one of thirteen categories.
How do I participate?
The Student’s Role
Talk to your school’s art department–ask if the school will be participating. If not, don’t worry. You can follow two paths: 1) ask the art department to take an active role in rounding up students to participate, or 2) pay your own way. If you elect to follow path number two, you’ll need to fill out a student application AND have an appropriate person at your school complete the University Commitment Form. All of these documents can be found in the FORMS section of this website. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
The School’s Role
Distribute student applications, choose students to participate, submit the University Commitment Form, student applications, and payment by March 30th, come to the Fair and recruit!
Visit the FORMS section for all related documents and literature.
2010 Emerging Artist Winners
Pictured from left to right: Martin Kruk, Ayanna Spears, Jennifer Modesett, Jessica Battes, Mick Burson, Henry Bloomer, Andrea Duarte, Marybeth Sudan.