Student ScholarshipsGreaterRestonArtsCenter opened in 1974 to enrich community life through exhibitions and education about contemporary art. One of the ways we pursue our mission is by encouraging young people to enter careers in the visual arts. Towards that goal, GRACE provides four scholarships -- two to Herndon High students and two to South Lakes High School students who plan to study art at the college level.Scholarship Recipients 2008This year GRACE honors Khrystyna Chekhlata, Michelle Falco, Zach Kojoyian, and Lorien Williams. GRACE saw qualities in the work of these students that stood out from their peers. These qualities will serve the scholarship recipients well in their studies and as they develop their own studio practices.While all of the artists showed a fine sense of craft and clear personal styles, what impressed GRACE most was their persistence, commitment and the willingness to take risks in their own work. To the successful, lifelong artist these skills are more important than talent. 
Khrystyna Chekhlata's accomplished and sophisticated compositions came to GRACE's notice when she was honored with a gold medal during the Scholastics Competition for her photography portfolio. Her dramatic portraits show a sensitivity and understanding of both human strength and fragility.
Photography: untitled
Michelle Falco's work came to the attention of GRACE when she was a sophomore and her stunning paintings were included in the exhibition, Emerging Visions. Two years later GRACE was struck by the sophistication of her new works on transparent paper. Nearly every artist who came into the gallery commented on the four ethereal compositions. Michelle has the ability to transform her work and make painting feel like an altogether new art form.
Mixed Media: Serenity 8
Zach Kojoyian surprised the GRACE staff this spring with the breadth and complexity of his multi-faceted projects. From featherweight, suspended sculptures to video to large-scale floor installations, this young artist shows great facility in expressing important ideas with elegance, sophistication and humor.
Installation: Installation 2
Lorien Williams impressed GRACE with her inventive pencil drawings and outstanding portrait paintings that look deep beneath the surface of her subjects. Her attention to detail and understanding of her media is remarkable for an artist her age.
Pencil: Through the Glass
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