The Dallas Art Dealers Association (DADA) will honor thirteen Booker T. Washington High School visual art students on May 11 from 6-9 p.m. The art exhibition opening and awards reception will be held at One Arts Plaza in the Dallas Arts District. Of the thirteen artists whose works will be on display, three will be recipients of the special scholarships.
With additional gifts and prominent exposure, the Edith Baker Art Scholarship is expanding its artistic influence. ?My goal was to give young artists the opportunity for recognition, exhibition and scholarship,? said Baker who was a venerated gallerist for many years. ?We created the scholarship in 2005 to give young artists access to mentors and funding to help them pursue higher education in art.? The Edith Baker Art Scholarship is a $5,000 award. Further enhancing the program is an additional award funded by gallery owners Kenneth Craighead and Steve Green. The Craighead Green Fund for the Arts awards $2,500 to inspire a young artist a career in art.
?We are expanding the scope of the awards both in gifts and outreach,? stated Cathy Drennan, Executive Director of DADA. ?I am excited to announce this year?s Excellence in Art Award for $1,000 has been made possible by a gift from Martin & Martin Design, a creative fine art services company that believes in the passion to be one?s best. It is also our second year showcasing the student work at One Arts Plaza, thanks to the generosity of the Billingsley Co.?
Jurors chose three aspiring artists for top prizes, whose work exemplifies confidence in their craft and a vision of their future goals to be awarded scholarships toward higher education in the visual arts. Jurors include, Don Hodges, Art Coordinator, The Billingsley Company; Mary Tom?s, artist and owner Mary Tom?s Gallery; and Kenneth Craighead, designer and owner Craighead Green Gallery, with the assistance of BTWHSVPA visual arts coordinator Kyle Clark.
The Dallas Art Dealers Association, an affiliation of established independent gallery owners and nonprofit art organizations in the Dallas metropolitan area, is dedicated to enriching the lives of the public through visual art. http://dallasartdealers.org