Awards and Scholarships

Through the School of art there are a number of different options for scholarships, assistantships, and financial awards, many of which are based on scholarly performance or artistic ability.

School of Art Tuition Waivers

Students enrolled as an art major at Illinois State University are eligible to apply for tuition waivers. These awards are granted on the basis of artistic ability and performance based on a portfolio review. An application form, a portfolio and/or evidence of scholarly production must be submitted to the School of Art Office.

Friends of the Arts Talent Grants

Those enrolled in an Illinois State University School of Art degree program are eligible to receive an up to $200 monetary award on behalf of the Friends of the Arts. Those students who can demonstrate their scholarly performance through artistic ability in either studio practice, art history, or art education studies may submit an application as well as a portfolio and/or evidence of scholarly production to the School of Art Office.

Elizabeth Stein Scholarship

Any student enrolled in an Illinois State University School of Art degree program is also eligible to apply for the Elizabeth Stein Scholarship. This award grants the recipient up to $500 to be put towards tuition and fees. Further, the recipient will have his/her name added to the Elizabeth Stein Art Scholarship Plaque in the CVA building. Students who demonstrate their artistic ability through the submission of a portfolio, scholarship performance in other academic areas, and financial need can apply at the School of Art Office.

Edwin Niemi Metals Scholarship

Any undergraduate or graduate student with a concentration in Metals can apply for the Edwin Niemi Metals Scholarship, which grants $200 towards the defraying of tuition and student fees. Those students who can show strong artistic ability through the submission of a portfolio may apply at the School of Art Office.

Mary M. Packwood Scholarship

Those graduate or undergraduate Art Education majors with a minimum of 90 semester hours of work enrolled in a School of Arts degree program may apply for the Mary M. Packwood Scholarship. This award grants the recipient up to $300 to be used toward tuition and fee payment, as well as having his/her name inscribed on the Mary Packwood Scholarship Plaque. Students demonstrating outstanding performance in academic achievement, studio production, field experiences, and in written and oral communication can apply to the School of Art Office by submitting the application, a transcript, three letters of recommendation (two of which coming from Illinois State University School of Art Faculty), as well as a portfolio.

Mary R. Walker Scholarship

Undergraduates with a major concentration in Fabric, Sculpture, or Metals are eligible to apply for the Mary R. Walker Scholarship. This monetary award for up to $400 to be used towards paying tuition and student fees will also grant the recipient his/her name inscribed on the Mary R. Walker Scholarship Plaque. Those that demonstrate excellence in their artistic ability may apply by submitting an application and portfolio to the School of Art Office.

Stephanie Amster Design Scholarship

Any undergraduates with a concentration in Photography, Visual Communications, or Three-Dimensional Design are eligible to apply for a monetary award to be put towards payment of tuition and fees. Recipients will also have his/her name inscribed on the Stephanie Amster Design Scholarship Plaque. Students who can demonstrate their artistic ability through a portfolio of their work can apply at the School of Art Office.

Normal Editions Workshop Scholarship

Any undergraduate or graduate full time art student with a concentration in printmaking is eligible to apply for the Normal Editions Workshop Scholarship. The award grants students $300 ($150 each semester dependant upon recipient's continued eligibility) to be used during the academic year to defray costs associated with academic and artistic needs. Those students who can demonstrate an outstanding artistic ability and performance in printmaking through a portfolio of their work may apply in the School of Art Office.

Sisters and Friends African American Student Artist Scholarship

The School of Art and Bloomington-Normal Sister Friends award scholarships each year to talented African American student artists. These awards are varying in number and amount but are typically $500 per student per year and are renewable each year. Interested students should contact the School of Art Director or Associate Driector in the School of Art office.

The Robert Small Award For Writing in Art History

The Robert Small Award offers a cash prize for the best paper (seven page minimum) written at ISU on any art historical topic during the preceding calendar year. Entries are judged by a panel of three School of Art faculty members, with the winner chosen on the basis of originality, writing style, and evidence of solid research skills. Entries may be submitted to the School of Art office, or to Dr. Archer, CVA 135C.