Rau for Art Foundation Scholarship

Started in 2012, RFA hosts an annual Art Scholarship Competition in which local high school artists submit an original artwork based on a new theme every year. The ten finalists are granted the opportunity to exhibit their artworks at M.S. Rau. Four winning artists, selected by a panel of rotating guest judges, are granted a total of $13,000 in college scholarship funds. Furthermore, the first-place winner is presented with the opportunity to study art in Italy, inspired by the tradition of the Prix de Rome.

The Places You Will Go: What does your future hold? As you near the end of your high school experience, you will face a world of possibilities and decisions. Opportunities abound, and you must choose where your life will take you. Show us your vision of what your future will look like and illustrate how your dreams and ambitions make you feel.  Compose a work of art that depicts where you envision yourself going – this can be a literal showcase of things like your career aspirations or travel desires or a more metaphorical exploration of your hopes and dreams for your best life. Technical skill and creativity are of the utmost importance, so show us your best work!

Eligibility

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and St. Charles Parishes. You are welcome whether you are enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home school. You do not have to be currently enrolled in an art class to participate. The competition is free to enter.

Artwork Criteria

Students are only permitted to submit ONE artwork per year, and it must be created wholly by you. Only two-dimensional artworks are accepted. The maximum dimensions accepted are 36“ high x 36” wide. Paintings and/or drawings are accepted in the following media: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, pastel, charcoal, etc. Layered artwork (collage) is permitted only if all materials utilized are produced by the artist. The use of found materials (newsprint/magazine clips, 3D objects, digital images) is not permitted. Photographic submissions are not accepted.

All students are also expected to submit a short artist statement along with their artwork, explaining the ideas behind their piece as well as their interpretation of that year’s theme.

Your artwork will be judged on the following criteria: technical ability and execution, originality, and your interpretation of the theme.

Scholarship Prizes

First Place: $7000 (with the option to study in Italy) + $500 to your high school’s art department

Second Place: $3000

Third Place: $1500

Fourth Place: $1000

All scholarships are paid directly to the college or university you will attend. Funds will be held until winners graduate from high school, regardless of their grade when winning the competition.