by Arnie Fenner

In my post two weeks back I hinted at another Spectrum-ish bit of news that we needed to work out the details for prior to mentioning.

As some of you know, my mom passed away in January (and thanks very much to everyone that sent notes of condolence); while I’ve been going through her effects I’ve discovered sketchbooks from her youth (who would’ve guessed that mom would draw pin-ups?) as well as works of mine that she’d kept through the years. It made me think about how she had encouraged my early interest in drawing (as I’m sure most of our moms did), how she had bought me how-to books and paints and pens and paper. And it got Cathy and I thinking about the importance of nurturing and encouraging talent.
Rebecca Guay has started something wonderful with her annual Illustration Master Class each June in Amherst, Mass. Who wouldn’t benefit from a week’s intensive instruction from the likes of Donato, Boris, Dan Dos, and company? And it got us thinking that it would be a good thing to sponsor a scholarship for a student (or otherwise aspiring artist) to attend such a once-in-a-lifetime workshop.
So…we think we will.
With this year’s class just a few scant months away and pretty-much full, it seems to be too short of notice to do this for 2011—so with Rebecca’s approval we’re tossing the idea out now to plant the seed for the 2012 class. When Rebecca opens enrollment for the ’12 Master Class, Cathy and I will sponsor a scholarship for a worthy artist who might otherwise not be able to attend. Someone with the passion to create who just needs a little help and instruction and encouragement. When the time comes—say in the latter part of this year—I’ll give an e-mail address for hopefuls to send a jpeg of their work and a couple of lines about themselves; Cathy and I (and maybe a surprise judge) will pick someone as the recipient of a scholarship to the 2012 Illustration Master Class. Getting there and back home and the necessary supplies will be the student’s responsibility (which makes the extra lead-time both helpful and important); it’s never too soon to start thinking about the future.
Obviously, I’ll post a reminder as the time nears.
Oh…and for those interested in more information about Spectrum Live!, we’ve listed some special guests on our website.