On June 7, 2023, MVC hosted a reception in the Museum courtyard for the winners of this year’s Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts. These talented artists demonstrated remarkable dedication to their craft, and they will continue to make significant contributions to the world of visual arts and beyond. Congratulations to all the recipients!
The Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship, generously endowed by the late Bonita C. McFarland and administered by the Museum of Ventura County and its Fine Arts Committee, supports exceptional young artists in the pursuit of their careers in the visual arts. Selected from a diverse and competitive pool of applicants, scholarship recipients demonstrate outstanding artistic merit, dedication, vision, and potential. In addition to providing financial awards and recognition for visual arts education, this scholarship program amplifies the voices of emerging artists in Ventura County, elevating THEIR perspectives as part of the story of our community. This program actualizes MVC’s values of inclusivity, boldness, empathy, and integrity in our community as it fosters the growth and development of extraordinary talents and cultivates the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of Ventura County.
Finalists:
Audrey Abbe – Ventura
A graduating student at Ventura College, Audrey is transferring to CSUCI in Fall to pursue Studio Art, Spanish, and a teaching credential. With dreams of teaching art at the high school level, Audrey is well on her way to inspiring future generations of artists.
Alex Lozano – Simi Valley
Currently studying Studio Art and Biology at CSUCI, Alex aspires to work as a scientific illustrator or conservation artist. With a passion for merging art and science, Alex is poised to create a lasting impact in both fields.
Charlotte Scott – Oak Park
A graduating senior at Oak Park High School, Charlotte will attend the Laguna College of Art and Design in the fall. With dreams of working in animation, Charlotte is ready to bring her unique artistic vision to life.
Piper Snowber – Camarillo
Graduating from Rio Mesa High School, Piper is headed to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study Fiber, Textiles, & Fashion, with an emphasis on social justice and sustainability. Piper is one to watch and is bound to make a difference in the world through her talents.
Anya Spiers – Thousand Oaks
A graduating senior at Thousand Oaks High School, Anya will attend Chapman University in the Fall. With a goal of working in graphic design, Anya is set to make her mark on the visual communication landscape.
Honorable Mentions:
Danae Olivares – Oxnard
Currently studying Art at Ventura College, Danae hopes to become an illustrator, capturing imaginations through her captivating artwork.
Elora Bacon – Oak Park
A graduating senior studying in Oak Park, Elora will attend Ringling College of Art & Design to study Computer Animation. With aspirations of being a character animator, Elora is ready to bring her creations to life on screen.