Scholarships

Shirl Smithson Scholarships

Oil Painters of America offers four $500 scholarships appropriately named after its founding member, Shirl Smithson.  The Shirl Smithson Scholarships are open to all current Associate members. 

Based on a review of the application materials,  the scholarship committee will select four OPA members to receive a scholarship based on the quality and strength of the art work submitted and the potential for further development.  One scholarship is designated specifically for a student member who is currently enrolled as a full-time student.

Scholarships must be used to attend a workshop or class in representational art.    All classes must be approved in advance.  All scholarship funding will be sent directly from OPA to the designated workshop and/or class.  All Associate members are encouraged to apply.  Recipients of a scholarship are eligible to apply again.

By December 1, potential recipients should submit an application which includes an artist’s statement, artist’s resume and six representational slides of his/her work.  The request should be sent to the OPA General Office and designated “Scholarship Application.”    Applicants will be notified by March 1.