OPA High school SCHOLARSHIPAwarded to an Oregon student who shows creative and technical excellence in the field of ceramics. High School Scholarship Program Application The competition is open to all high school juniors and seniors living in Oregon and SW Washington. The highest juried candidates will receive a $1000 scholarship for their entry into post-secondary education. The scholarship is awarded during a ceremony at OPA's Ceramic Showcase each spring, the all-clay show that OPA sponsors every spring at the Oregon Convention Center. The scholarship funds will be held in trust and paid directly to the college entered by the student. We recommend that students with exceptional imagination and technical skill enter this competition. Entries may be either utilitarian or decorative objects made of clay. Only one entry per student. Application deadline is March 31st, 2025. We had nearly 25 entries last year, the cap is in place due to limited booth space.
Important dates to Remember:
If you, the instructor, have questions, please contact: OPA High School Scholarship Coordinator Meg Turner Most commonly asked Questions ? 1.Do I have to submit the piece I juried with or may I submit something I finished after I sent in my application? You must submit the exact piece that is juried. 2. May I submit a piece that has been in the OPA Showcase before? You may not submit a piece that has been previously submitted to the Scholarship Program. However, you may submit a piece that has been shown the High School Gallery. 3. Who is eligible? The Scholarship Program is open to High School Juniors and Seniors in Oregon and SW Washington. 4. What percentage of my piece has to be clay? Each piece must be at least 75% clay. | PROGRAM LEADER2023 High School Scholarship WinnersOLIVIA GREENBERG Fading Coral
This hand-built ceramic sculpture reflects the devastating transformation of coral bleaching, capturing the gradual loss of color from left to right. Crafted with the slab building technique, the sculpture features three distinct boxes, each adorned with pinched clay coral structures. The sculpture underwent a low-firing process in an electric kiln, after which I underglaze the coral formations, blending Mayco Underglazes to create a realistic finish. In addition, I added a few brush strokes of Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze in select areas. The sculpture is presented in a handcrafted Bird Eye Maple wood box, filled with white sand, creating a visual representation of the decay and loss of color in these organisms. This depiction is rooted in the scientific process of coral bleaching, also known as ocean acidification, which occurs when ocean temperatures rise as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the coral to expel vital algae, known as zooxanthellae, resulting in the organism tissue turning white. My love for the ocean and concern about the pressing issue of climate change has always been at the core of my artistic expression. My work drives me to spark conversations and inspire action toward positive change. SOFIA ISAIAS-DAY La Mezcia del Simbolismo
Ceramics provides an
outlet for relieving stress and enriching my life with creativity and
art. Each of my pieces are filled with symbolism and history, which
requires much research and critical thinking that serves to strengthen
my skills in other parts of my education. |
Thank you to Chown Hardware and Mimosa Studios for their generous funding of our Scholarship Program.
