Calling young artists

The 2011 Student Creative Arts Award Program is now open for entries. 

This award program, overseen by the city’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission, is open to Sonoma Valley residents between the ages of 16 and 21 who are studying visual, literary or performing arts. 

According to Lorna Sheridan, CFAC chair, “the Commission received outstanding entries across all categories of the arts last year, and was truly awed by the talent demonstrated by Sonoma Valley students.”
 
In 2010, the CFAC increased the size of the award to $2,000 and changed the timing of the application process so that it is not competing against Senior projects or other end-of-the-school year obligations.

“We are pleased to again be able to offer such a sizeable award to young up and coming artists to further their studies in the arts,” Sheridan said.

Last year’s award recipient was singer and actor Michael Starr, then a senior at Justin-Sienna High School in Napa. “My passion for the performing arts started as a child when I attended summer camps at The Sebastiani Theatre,” he told The Sun. As a teen, he volunteered as a camp counselor at the Rhoten Summer Camps, “to give back to those who helped shape who I am today.”

The award is open to all performing and visual arts disciplines.

The Commission asks that all entrants submit a short statement explaining the role that art has played in their life and what their plans are for continuing their artistic training.  Those submitting a visual or literary application are asked to also submit a simple portfolio of reproductions of at least five pieces of their artwork.  Performing artists may submit a DVD of performance highlights and will be asked to participate in an audition. 

An application form is available at sonomacity.org. The deadline to submit an entry is Jan. 15, 2011. For more, contact the City Clerk at 933.2216.