Since I was 12 years old, I have known that I would like to pursue art as a career.  Over the past few years, that passion has developed into a serious pursuit of becoming an accomplished classical/realist artist.  Upon completing my homeschool high school program, I received a one year scholarship from the Academy of Realist Art in Boston, Massachusetts.  I am currently completing my fourth year of intensive art training.   
 
Since financial support is difficult for me to achieve, I have been fortunate to begin my atelier training with the scholarship from the ARA.  However, I need to obtain further financial support in order to successfully accomplish my long-term educational goals.  The first of these goals is to complete the final year of intensive art training at this atelier.  Then, once I complete this program, I hope to work as a gallery artist and teach as a classical instructor.  
 
In developing my goals, I have had several artists support me in my training.  Initially, Sandra Wakeen and Alexandra Walters have spent countless hours mentoring me on this journey.  This past year, Julie Beck (from the ARA) has patiently and passionately worked with me in becoming a more proficient artist.  I hope to one day be able to help others along their journey as I have been helped.  
 
 My long-term educational goal is to complete my atelier training at the ARA in Boston, display my work in galleries, make a sustainable career as an artist and, finally, pass on my knowledge of art by working and teaching other upcoming artists.  If I were to receive this art scholarship, it would alleviate financial strain for the upcoming school year for me.  Thank you for this consideration.