Everything Nac

The Friends of the Visual Arts scholarship committee at Stephen F. Austin State University has selected junior painting student Ericka Bates, of Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia (South America), as this year’s recipient of the Gary R. Parker Art Scholarship.

Shaun Roberts, assistant professor in the SFA School of Art, nominated Bates for the award. In his nomination letter, Roberts wrote: “I have worked with Ericka over the past couple of semesters at SFA; I had her in both painting and drawing classes. She is a very naturally gifted student and artist who is always open and willing to experiment and try things in her art. She is humble and takes critique and suggestions about her work really well. She always shows up to class on time with a positive attitude ready to work.

“It’s a pleasure having Ericka in my class because she inspires and motivates the other students,” he said. “Ericka isn’t afraid to tackle a big ambitious project. She attacks the canvas with rigor and purpose. She is a very intelligent and thoughtful young artist; her work is advanced and drives other students to be more critical of their art and to work harder.

“Ericka is in the beginning stages of her career, but I expect great things from her,” he added.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts established the Parker scholarship in honor of the retired SFA School of Art faculty member who was employed at the university for 31 years. Parker not only taught courses but also directed the school’s Summer Art Academy program for children and served as the gallery preparator.

The FVA has established scholarships in the name of retiring SFA School of Art professors who were employed in the School of Art for minimum of 10 years before retirement and who contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Friends of the Visual Arts board and its fundraising activities, such as consistently donating art for fundraisers, by providing monetary assistance, or by serving on FVA committees or board.

Cameron Sweet, a junior from Duncanville, was selected as this year’s Robert Kinsell Art Scholarship recipient at Stephen F. Austin State University. He is studying photography in SFA’s School of Art with a secondary concentration in digital media. The award is presented annually by the Friends of the Visual Arts.

Amanda Breitbach, assistant professor of art, nominated Sweet for the scholarship. In her nomination letter, Breitbach noted: “Cameron is an exceptional student. He has an excellent work ethic and a great attitude. He approaches assignments, critiques and discussions with seriousness, and he is always thinking about how class work can connect to his future career. Cameron puts in time and energy toward learning outside of class, works with more advanced students and finds tutorials to supplement class demonstrations.”

She described him as “consistently positive and supportive” in his interactions with fellow students.

“He is responsible and helpful – willing to help out both during class and outside of class time,” she wrote. “Cameron is a first-generation student and qualifies for financial aid. This scholarship would be a meaningful award that would recognize the caliber of the work he is making as well as his excellent character.”

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts established the Kinsell scholarship to support the educational goals of students currently enrolled in the School of Art by providing financial assistance to outstanding students in the visual arts program. The scholarship also honors Kinsell as a teacher, as an ardent supporter of the arts in the Nacogdoches community, and as a huge supporter of the FVA and its fundraising activities.

An art professor at SFA for 25 years before retiring in 2013, Kinsell taught courses in painting, drawing, figure drawing and advertising design. The Robert Kinsell Art Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate or graduate level art student with painting or photography as his or her major study area, according to the criteria developed by Kinsell.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts is made up of community members who support the arts in East Texas and provide monetary assistance to students enrolling in the School of Art by conducting fundraisers, such as the annual 12 x 12 event each July.

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of the documentary “Quincy” at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

Taking an intimate look into the life of iconic American record producer, singer and film producer Quincy Jones, the documentary looks at Jones as a unique force in music and popular culture for 70 years. The film demonstrates how Jones transcended racial and cultural boundaries, according to imdb.com. It was written and directed by Jones’ daughter, Rashida Jones, and Alan Hicks and also stars Tony Bennett, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Michael Caine, Jay-Z, John Legend, Paul McCartney and other music legends.

“Quincy” is a Grammy Award winner for Best Music Film and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. It garnered top awards from the African-American Film Critics Association, Black Reel Awards, Critics Choice Documentary Awards and Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

This screening is part of the School of Art’s monthly Friday Film Series and is sponsored in part by William Arscott, Nacogdoches Film Festival, Karon Gillespie, Mike Mollot, David Kulhavy, John and Kristen Heath, Galleria Z, Jill Carrington, Jean Stephens, Jim and Mary Neal, Richard Orton and the Nacogdoches Junior Forum.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.