For the very first time, the Alliance is offering an Artist Residency program thanks to support from the Esther B. Kahn Foundation. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have an incredible legacy of past winners- Richard Avedon, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Zac Posen… and that’s just naming a few! The Residency program will help foster the next great generation of artists to come from the Awards. Going beyond just a stipend and workspace, it also offers career development and guidance. Learn more about the program and how to apply after the jump.
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Brianna Drinsky, "Deeply Rooted." Grade 8, Age 13. 2011 Gold Medal, Digital Art.
Gold Key Winner Lydia asked Ned about comparing your work to others and having it shared with the world.
Lydia Asked:
I enjoy writing because it is my way of expressing myself and getting things out there. I wrote a short story for the art and writing award and got a regional gold key. As I was looking at all the winners, I got discouraged because how do I know if mine is any good? I want to be published some day- and hopefully someday I can turn my short story into a novel. How old do you have to be for all of that to work? How does all of it work? Where did you start? I really want my story to be heard by the world.
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Charlie Barber. Baggage. Grade 12, Age 17. Gold Medal, 2010.
Kris, a high school senior, asked Ned for advice on starting your career as a writer and getting published.
Kris asked:
I’m a high school senior and an aspiring novelist. I’ve gotten through my first novel (and a second), but I’m unsure where to go from here. I know I want to eventually get them published, but should I wait until I finish high school and/or college to try to pursue my career or maybe look for an agent now? How did you start out?
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Soomin Kim, "Dream2." Age 13, Grade 7. 2010 Silver Medal, Painting.
For many people aspiring to do anything, the wait for a big break can seem eternal. Author Rick Moody’s advice to recipients of the 2009 Scholastic Awards was: “Be patient.”
Rick Moody: If I had one bit of advice for all younger writers, all beginning writers, all apprentice writers, that advice would be as follows: be patient. There’s no rush. When I was writing my first novel I was still working at Farrar, Straus & Giroux in New York City, my boss, the estimable editor in chief at that particular house (himself a poet), and I were once talking about writing and trying to edit at the same time, and how work inevitably took a toll on the writing. Read More
Lots of students look forward to college. For students (and adults!) who have an interest in learning new things, below are a number of cost effective (read: free!) resources that might help you satisfy your interest in a range of topics, from the origins of the universe to Painting and Journalism. Top universities like MIT and Columbia University have even begun putting their classes online. All you need is a little curiosity and an internet connection. Read More
George Lu and Tony Pan. Three Trials of Tito. Grade 8, Age 13. 2010 Gold Medal, Video Games.
You might already know the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have a video game design category (sponsored by AMD!). But did you know that now teachers have a place to go to online to find tools for their students to design their own video games? AMD Foundation, the Alliance and Scholastic come together thanks to AMD Changing the Game, to bring you video gaming excitement and education with a new online initiative – Level Up!
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