The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Niagara Pumphouse Arts Scholarship. This scholarship was established in memory of Ian Butler, one of the founding members when they opened in 1994. Following Ian’s death in 2010, a fund was set up to support art education for promising young artists in the community.
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving graduating high school students from Niagara-on-the-Lake who are pursuing recognized post-secondary Visual Arts programs. In 2018, the scholarship amount was set at $200.00 per recipient, with staff from A.N. Myer S.S., Laura Secord S.S., and Holy Cross S.S. nominating eligible students for final selection.
This year, the scholarship has been awarded to two outstanding young artists, Alessia Rocca (A.N. Myer S.S.) and Sarah Laughton (Laura Secord S.S).
Alessia Rocca is known for her work in mixed media, utilizing pen, pencil crayon, watercolour, and acrylic. Her art explores emotional themes such as human connections, growing up, daily life, and cherished memories. Her pieces have been displayed at the Myer Mosaic and the DSBN Off The Wall art show. Alessia will further her education in the Cinema and Media Arts – Production program at York University this fall.
Sarah Laughton has been passionate about art from a young age. She uses drawing and painting to express complex thoughts and ideas that words often fail to capture. By integrating societal perspectives and deeper concepts, her works evoke emotions and provoke thought. Recently, she has expanded her artistic portfolio to include photography. Sarah will be pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Photography at Sheridan College, aiming to refine her artistic skills and achieve her creative goals.
Rima Boles, Art Centre Director, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Alessia and Sarah for their dedication to the arts. Their passion and talent exemplify the spirit of creativity that we strive to impart and foster at the art hub of the community.”
“We are thrilled to support these talented young artists as they embark on their educational journeys,” said Marina Glencross, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre board member. “Ian Butler’s legacy continues to inspire our community, and we are proud to contribute to the future of visual arts through this scholarship.”
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre congratulates Alessia and Sarah on their achievements and wishes them every success in their future artistic endeavors.
For more information about 2024 Niagara Pumphouse Arts Scholarship recipients, visit: https://niagarapumphouse.ca/join-give/arts-scholarship
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence our name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. We give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
