Natalie Jude Women in the Arts Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Ashlynn Johnson
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Sep 1, 2025
Winners Announced
Oct 1, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Gender:
Female or genderqueer-identifying
Field of Study:
Art

Natalie was a wonderful person with an endless amount of creativity within her. She gave whatever she could to those around her, and never hesitated to help someone in need. She used any medium she could get her hands on to express herself. Natalie was brave, she tried new things all the time and took them on with passion and excitement. She had so much to give this world, and hopefully this scholarship can help creatives like her give what they have to the world as well. To know Natalie was to love her, and she was loved by so many people.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Natalie Jude by supporting female and genderqueer students who share her passion for the arts.

Any female or genderqueer high school senior or undergraduate student who is pursuing art may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your favorite creation and why, in addition to submitting your creative portfolio. 

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Passion, Impact
Published March 6, 2025
Essay Topic

In 250 words or less, tell us about your favorite piece you’ve created and why. Additionally, submit your creative art portfolio.

50–250 words

Winning Application

Jaron Milman
Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie, NY
Coming from a low-income and unstable household, attending an affluent suburban school, and being the only outwardly queer person in my community, fear, stigma, and hate have shaped so much of my life. I grew up feeling like I was the only one in existence like me. I confided in art and studies to and understand how my identity shapes the world around me. My experiences as a queer person and a drag performer are my greatest inspiration for my most recent and favorite paintings. I explore how queer and trans bodies navigate self-worth within systems of oppression. My paintings are a celebration of LGBTQ drag artistry, and a reflection on the triumphs, losses, and the social/political tensions that define my lived experiences. I hope to carry the baton of the artists and activists that have come before me, making artwork of pain and resilience, not for fun, but for survival; for dancing in the face of grief, for loving loudly and living fully. With my art and my future career, I hope to continue to be a pillar and to encourage others to be fearlessly authentic, even when the world tries to diminish their light. I want to remind people, especially those who feel unseen, that their stories are sacred, their joy is powerful, and their existence is valuable. The world may not always be ready for us, but we show up anyway. Painted, glittering, aching, and alive. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Rachel LaCasse
Sacramento City CollegeSacramento, CA
My favorite piece I have created is a series of film photos of androgynous women. These portraits capture them as they speak about vulnerable moments from their past in a surreal setting. This project invites the viewer to connect with the person and find themselves in their stories. As a Studio Arts major at Sacramento City College, I have always been interested in exploring identity and human connection through my art. This series allowed me to delve deeper into these themes. I chose film photography because it adds a raw, authentic feel that digital photography sometimes lacks. The surreal settings in the photos create a dream-like atmosphere, making the subjects' stories even more powerful. This project is close to my heart because it is about understanding and empathy. By sharing these intimate moments, I hope to challenge stereotypes and encourage people to see beyond appearances. My work aims to create a sense of unity and shared humanity. I believe the Natalie Jude Women in the Arts Scholarship would help me continue exploring these important themes in my art. Your support would allow me to create more meaningful work that resonates with people and fosters connection. Thank you for considering my application. Rachel LaCasse

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Sep 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Oct 1, 2025.