Scholarships

AVA's scholarship program is supported by the generosity of our members. Scholarships are available to individuals of all ages and abilities and are usually awarded at 50% of the cost of tuition. To apply for a scholarship, please call AVA: (603) 448-3117. Requests must be received no later than two weeks before the start of class.

Our Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 to help make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to take art classes at AVA. Since then, thanks to continued and generous donations from our supporters, we have been able to award between 40 and 45 scholarships annually. This past year, however, drastically changed that picture. Not surprisingly, given the challenging financial climate, the number of requests for scholarship aid has risen significantly.

As a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) not-for-profit organization, and supported to a large extent by contributions from individuals and businesses, AVA is committed to giving back to the community that helps sustain us. One of the several ways to honor this commitment has been to respond to as many scholarship requests as possible. In fact, since September 2008 through August 2009, a record number of 70 scholarships has been awarded. Additionally, more full scholarships have been given this year than ever before (in most cases, AVA has traditionally offered 50% of tuition in scholarship aid).

We also proudly continue our close collaboration with a number of local social service organizations, which frequently contact us with scholarship referrals for their clients. For example, AVA continues to work with LISTEN to enable about a dozen children annually to experience the joys of taking weeklong vacation art camps here, paid for in full, thanks to the partnership between these two nonprofits.

It is our firm belief that access to creative opportunities matters more than ever. As we continue to strive to make our class offerings as accessible as possible, we also appeal to our loyal and generous supporters in the hope that you will help us with much-needed contributions to replenish our Scholarship Fund. Gifts to AVA's Scholarship Fund are fully tax-deductible.

In advance, we thank you for your vital and generous support.