THE WESTPORT ART GROUP COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

About the WAG Scholarship Program

For more than fifty years, Westport Art Group Inc. has awarded scholarships annually to local area high school students interested in pursuing a higher degree in the visual arts. Recipients of these scholarships have graduated with BA and BFA degrees, and gone on to careers as artists, animators, toy designers, art teachers, and computer artists, as well as lives enriched by their engagement with the arts as painters, photographers, ceramists, printmakers, and sculptors.

Recently, the WAG Board approved increasing the amount for the scholarships for 2025 and beyond to $3,000. Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship this spring should discuss it with their high school guidance counselors.

2026 Scholarship Requirements and Application
~Applications are due April 15~

Students currently in their senior year of high school who intend to pursue a higher degree in Visual Art are eligible to apply for a $3,000 Westport Art Group Scholarship if they meet either of the following criteria:

•    They live in Westport, Dartmouth, or Tiverton, Little Compton, or Fall River and they are in good standing at Westport High School, Dartmouth High School, Tiverton High School, or Durfee High School; or

•    They are the children or grandchildren of current Westport Art Group members.

Applicants must submit their application by email sent to Eileen Riley wagscholarshipchair@gmail.com with the subject line “Scholarship Application” and all four of the following required materials scanned and attached to the email as pdf copies.  The application must be completed and received by APRIL 15, 2026:

•    Official copy of their high school transcript.

•    Letter of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant and is familiar with their educational goals or career goals.

•    The applicant’s 200 – 300 word essay.

•    Completed copy of the application. Click here to download the application.

In addition to the transcript, recommendation, essay, and application, a review of the applicant’s artwork is required.  A portfolio review of the applicant’s artwork (8–10 pieces of student artwork in various media) will take place during the spring, either at the Westport Art Group building, 1740 Main Rd, Westport MA or online using zoom.

Seeking Two Dedicated Members
for the Westport Art Group Scholarship Committee 2027

As the Scholarship Chairperson for the Westport Art Group, I am currently looking for two enthusiastic committee members to help select the recipients of our 2027 scholarship awards. This is a rewarding volunteer role that allows you to directly support talented local high school seniors pursuing the arts. You’ll join a small, collaborative group that stays connected through a simple shared email thread, where we keep everyone updated on timelines, applicant questions, and next steps—no heavy lifting required between meetings.

Your main commitment will be joining us for 2–3 in-person meetings during the year, most of which fall around the April, 2027 application deadline. In our first meeting, we review every application together: we discuss portfolios, ask questions, share suggestions, and double-check that each student meets the eligibility requirements listed on our website under the YOUTH section. Then, depending on the number of qualified applicants, we meet one or two additional times with the students themselves—the most enjoyable part!—to view their portfolios in person and get to know the young artists we’re supporting. You may also be asked (but are not required) to help brainstorm or create simple posters to spread the word about the scholarship. I always bring snacks, keep our meetings well-organized and on me, and make sure we respect everyone’s busy schedules by diving straight into the work.

Whether you have teenagers or grandchildren in high school and want a meaningful way to connect with the next genera on of artists, or you simply love supporting young creatives, this is a fun and fulfilling opportunity. Even if you don’t have teens at home, you’ll find the experience exciting and deeply rewarding. If you’re interested in joining us, please reach out to me directly at wagscholarshipchair@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions!

Sincerely,

Eileen Riley, Scholarship Chair

 WAG Awards Two College Scholarships To Talented Local Artists for 2025

WAG has announced that two high school seniors have been awarded scholarships of $3,000 each.This year's two awardees are Jadah Kumor and Jenna Rock, both seniors at Dartmouth High School. 

Encouraging young artists has always been a priority of Westport Art Group. For over 50 years WAG has awarded scholarships to high school students annually who will be furthering their studies in the visual arts. 

Jadah Kumor, who will begin a fine arts degree at Bristol Community College with plans to transfer to MassArt for a double major in education and jewelry design, was honored for her confident, self-trained jewelry design work, impressive portfolio, strong recommendation letter, and resolute commitment to her artistic path. Her ambition and vision distinguish her as a promising talent. 

When asked what art means to her Jadah Kumor said: "To me art is a visual language, it communicates emotions, ideas, and experiences. It can challenge aspects of the world and also display the beauty of it. People who create art like myself often have a stronger appreciation for the world as we notice the little details rather than the bigger picture." 

Jenna Rock, accepted to UMASS Dartmouth for Graphic Design, was recognized for her unwavering passion for her craft as seen in her compelling portfolio, strong academic transcripts, and exceptional recommendation letter. Her creative talent and clear vision for her future in the arts mark her as a rising star in graphic design.  

Jenna Rock noted, "With the scholarship money I plan to utilize all possible paths and branches I can within the art world and supplies to push myself to be my very best creatively.I plan to graduate from UMass Dartmouth with a Graphic Design degree where I want to go into the Pop Culture field, either in video games or tabletop games - two things that built my childhood.My dream is to make something as iconic as the characters and stories I grew up loving, carrying on the legacy of art and creation to others the same way those influences have done to me".

"Westport Art Group champions young artists with bold visions,” said Eileen Riley, Westport Art Group Scholarship Chairperson. “Jenna and Jadah’s compelling portfolios and certainty in their futures as artists make them exemplary recipients.We are thrilled to support their journeys.”  

Past recipients have earned BA and BFA degrees and built successful careers as artists, animators, toy designers, art teachers, and digital artists, while others have enriched their lives as painters, photographers, ceramists, printmakers, and sculptors. 

The scholarships will support Jenna and Jadah as they advance their education and continue to develop their artistic talents.  In addition to the scholarships, the awardees receive free WAG membership and have the opportunity to show their work at WAG's exhibits.

2024 WAG College Scholarships Awarded to
Samantha Brunette and Fiona Jason

WAG College Scholarships were recently awarded to two fantastic young, creative and talented women, Samantha Brunette and Fiona Jason, both from Dartmouth High School. Congratulations to both recipients; we wish them the best as they continue their journey pursuing a higher degree in Visual Arts.

The Westport Art Group is pleased to announce the 2024 WAG College Scholarships awarded to two very talented high school seniors who intend to pursue a higher degree in Visual Arts. This year’s recipients are Fiona Jason and Samantha Brunette, both from Dartmouth High School. They offered compelling examples of artistic expression across a variety of techniques and materials.

After completing applications, submitting transcripts and recommendations, meeting with the the WAG Scholarship Committee for a portfolio review, these two young women were chosen and each receive a $1,500 scholarship. Susan Montgomery, Chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee, reflected on how impressed she was with this year's applicants’ abilities, originality and artistic literacy.

In addition to the scholarship itself, award recipients are given opportunities to display their art through the WAG gallery, receive free WAG membership and can participate in other WAG activities as well.

Fiona Jason, a senior at Dartmouth High School plans to attend Massachusetts College of Art (MASSART) in Boston this Fall. She has dreamt of going to art school since elementary school and the years since has sought out opportunities to develop her talents. She continues to expand her experience with different media. The sincere message and whimsy of her works illustrate the bright future she has as she continues her art education.

Samantha Brunette, a senior at Dartmouth High School will be attending UMass Dartmouth with a focus on illustration. Her strong work ethic and willingness to challenge herself comes through in her art and is part of her artistic vision.

Westport Art Group 2023 Scholarship Awards

Westport Art Group (WAG) has awarded two scholarships to local area public school students graduating in 2023: Tyler Simonin and Julia Han.

Tyler Simonin is graduating from Westport High School and plans to pursue a BFA degree at Pace University.

Julia Han is graduating from Tiverton High School and plans to major in illustration at Pratt University.

Join all WAG members and the public in congratulating these two bright women in pursuing their artistic goals!