Cranston Public Schools, in conjunction with the Visual Arts Department, is proud to announce that three high school artists have been selected as winners of the 2021 Wickford Art Association/Rhode Island Art Education Association Scholarship Program.

Five winners from across the state were chosen based on their portfolios of work submitted in various categories. Judging of the work took place last week and the winners were announced on Saturday morning.

“Based on the portfolios submitted to the 2021 Scholarship Program, it was determined that the five $500 Scholarship Awards be made in the categories of Drawing, Painting, 3-D/Mixed Media, Photography, and Digital Art,” Catherine Gagnon, the Wickford Art Association’s gallery director, said in a statement.

Of the five winners, three of the artists are Cranston Public Schools high school seniors.

Elizabeth Cowart, from Cranston High School West has won in the Drawing category, while Marissa North from Cranston High School East has won in the Painting category and Ella Rose from Cranston West has won in the 3-D/Mixed Media category.

The students’ were recognized on Tuesday during a virtual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, and all of the artwork will be on display at the Wickford Art Association’s gallery through Saturday, April 3. Visitors are encouraged to view the artwork during the in-person hours, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. The awards ceremony was also recorded.

“We commend all artists on the commitment you have demonstrated to your studies in art, and art educators … Bravo,” the statement from the Wickford Art Association reads. “Sharing through a judged competition is a very courageous act. The level of artistry and potential presented is so very encouraging for the future of the Rhode Island creative community.”

Visual Arts Department program supervisor Jill Cyr shared congratulatory wishes for the winners.

“The Cranston Public Schools would like to congratulate our student artists, Elizabeth Cowart, Marissa North and Ella Rose, for the awards received in the juried WAA/RIAEA Scholarship Exhibit,” she said. “The art department is so very proud of your dedication to the visual arts and applauds your honorable recognition.”