NORWICH – High school artists from across the region are invited to compete for a cash award, a $100 gift certificate from Golden Artist Colors, and the opportunity to display and sell their work alongside professional artists at the region’s premier arts festival.

The 27th Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival returns to downtown Norwich on September 11 and 12.

Applications are being accepted for the 2021 Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Scholarships – open to high school students in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, and Otsego Counties.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for high school art students to experience the professional art world,” said Peggy Finnegan, Visual Arts Coordinator of Colorscape and organizer of the Scholarship program.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is a juried exhibition of art and fine crafts that attracts an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people to downtown Norwich each September. The free, family-friendly event features artist demonstrations, literary activities, student art exhibits, food, and hands-on art activities for all ages.

Visitors can enjoy the music of professional singer-songwriters on the NBT Main Stage, a variety of local performers on Peggy’s Stage, and children’s entertainment on the Art Zone Stage.

“This is our 13th year offering this scholarship,” Finnegan added. “It’s a way for Colorscape to recognize the amazing talent of the area’s young artists while encouraging them to broaden their knowledge of the art world.”

To qualify, applicants must be a junior or graduating senior who lives or attends school in Chenango or an adjacent county and be interested in careers in the arts. Included are public, private, parochial, and home-schooled students. The application deadline is June 16th, 2021.

“Each of our 2021 Francis K. Wilcox Scholarship recipients will be awarded $350 at our Awards Breakfast on the Sunday of Colorscape,” said Finnegan. Each student will also receive a $100 gift certificate good for Golden Artist Colors products and the opportunity to display and sell their work at the festival in a booth provided by Colorscape.

“They have the chance to participate fully with other exhibitors, giving them the experience of taking part in a juried art festival with professional artists,” explained Finnegan.

Applications are available at The Artists’ Palette and Made in Chenango in downtown Norwich, as well as high school art departments and public libraries throughout the area.

Completed applications should be mailed to Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Inc., Emerging Young Artist Application, P.O. Box 624, Norwich, NY 13815.

Applicants should include a completed application form; a brief biography outlining artistic accomplishments to date and plans for the future; three digital images representative of work to be displayed; and a SASE (3 oz. postage). Applications must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on June 16th, 2021.

Only digital images will be accepted for review. Jury decisions will be based on creativity, workmanship, continuity of work, and the written biography.

For more information, contact Peggy Finnegan, Visual Arts Coordinator, at 607-316-3212.

-From Colorscape Chenango