Collaboration is one of the most important parts of being an artist. While people often think of art as something created alone, many of the most meaningful projects are the result of people with different skills coming together to create something larger than themselves. In my experience, collaboration is built on trust, communication, and the willingness to learn from others. Every person contributes a unique perspective, and the final piece becomes stronger because of it. As someone pursuing a career in the arts, I have experienced collaboration in many different ways. While studying sculpture at SUNY New Paltz, I learned that creating large-scale work often required classmates to help one another solve problems, share techniques, and offer constructive feedback. I realized that some of my greatest growth came from working alongside other artists rather than working alone. Outside of school, my experience in the film industry has shown me just how essential collaboration truly is. Working in the art department, I have helped build props, fabricate scenic displays, and prepare sets for production. Every project depends on dozens of artists, designers, carpenters, painters, and craftspeople working toward a shared vision. Watching a script transform into a physical world because so many talented people contributed their expertise is something I find incredibly rewarding. It taught me that no role is too small and that every person's work helps tell the story. One of my favorite collaborative experiences was serving as the Production Designer for an independent television pilot, Jon Bragg. It was my responsibility to work closely with the director, producers, and crew to develop the visual identity of the project. Ideas constantly evolved through discussion and problem-solving. Rather than feeling like my ideas were being challenged, I learned that collaboration improves creativity by allowing every member of the team to contribute their strengths. The final result was far better than anything one person could have created alone. These experiences have also shaped my future goals. I plan to pursue a career in museum work and art conservation, fields that rely heavily on collaboration. Preserving artwork is not the work of one individual but of a team dedicated to protecting history for future generations. Knowing that I can combine my artistic background with teamwork and preservation is what motivates me to continue my education. Collaboration has taught me the importance of listening to others. It has shown me that great art is rarely created in isolation and that the relationships formed throughout the creative process are often just as meaningful as the finished work itself. As I continue my education and career, I hope to contribute not only my artistic abilities but also my willingness to support others, learn from those around me, and help create meaningful work together.

The world around me inspires my art because I believe everyday objects, places, and the people and animals we love all tell meaningful stories. I am especially drawn to creating artwork that preserves memories and captures emotions that words often cannot express. Whether I'm painting a beloved pet or drawing cherished personal belongings, I enjoy turning moments of love, loss, and nostalgia into something lasting. The three pieces I submitted reflect this passion. One is an acrylic portrait of my boyfriend's family dog, created as a memorial after their loss. Another is an oil portrait of a close friend's horse, painted to honor the bond they shared. My third piece is a colored pencil still life featuring childhood objects that hold deep sentimental value to me. Together, these works represent my interest in preserving memories through art and celebrating the stories behind everyday life. Creating these pieces has strengthened my appreciation for both fine art and preservation, inspiring my goal of pursuing a career in museums and art conservation. I hope to continue using my artistic skills not only to create meaningful work but also to help preserve the artwork and history that connect people to their memories and to one another.

For a long time, I believed that leaving college meant I had failed. Watching the people around me reach their goals while I stepped away from mine was difficult, and I questioned whether I would ever find the right path. Looking back, however, I realize that my educational journey has taught me that success is not always a straight line. Sometimes, taking a step back is what allows you to move forward to grow as a person. After graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, I attended Suffolk County Community College before transferring to SUNY New Paltz, where I studied Visual Arts and was later accepted into the Sculpture B.F.A. program. Art has always been a part of who I am, but I wasn't emotionally prepared for the challenges I faced. I struggled through a long-term relationship that left me feeling isolated and disconnected from my own goals. Although I take full responsibility for my academic performance, I eventually realized I needed to step away and focus on rebuilding myself. During my time away from school, I gained experiences that changed my perspective. I worked as a Plover Steward with Suffolk County Parks, helping protect endangered shorebird nesting habitats, and later worked in film and television, building props and sets while traveling to productions across the country. Along the way, I found myself drawn to museums, historic places, and the preservation of art and culture. Growing up with a grandfather who dedicated his career to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, I had always admired the importance of protecting history and natural resources. I realized I could combine that passion with my artistic background by pursuing a career in museum work and art conservation. These experiences taught me independence, and the value of discovering a path that truly fits who I am rather than following one simply because it was expected. Today, I am returning to SUNY New Paltz with a renewed sense of purpose to study Art History and continue working toward a career preserving historical artwork and cultural heritage. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my education instead of the financial burden that comes with returning to college. It would help cover tuition and educational expenses while allowing me to devote more time to my studies, internships, and opportunities that will prepare me for a career in museums and conservation. Most importantly, it would be an investment in someone who has learned from past challenges, grown through them, and is determined to make the most of this second chance.

My favorite dinosaur is the Oviraptor because it represents everything I love about art, history, and science. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by dinosaurs and the stories they tell about Earth's past. I enjoy learning how paleontologists continue to make new discoveries that change our understanding of prehistoric life. The Oviraptor is a perfect example of this. Its name actually means "egg thief," though after some research scientists now believe it was actually a caring parent that protected its own nest. I think it is fascinating how evidence can completely change the story of an animal that lived over 70 million years ago. As an Art History major, I am passionate about preserving and studying the past. My goal is to work at the American Museum of Natural History or another museum where I can combine my love of history, art, and education. Museums inspire curiosity, and I hope to one day help others learn about the incredible history of our world through exhibits, collections, and artwork. Dinosaurs have always been one of the reasons I became interested in history, and they continue to inspire both my creativity and my education. For this illustration, I chose to draw an Oviraptor because of its unique appearance. Its feathers, bird-like features, and expressive crest made it an exciting subject to bring to life. I first used alcohol markers to establish the base colors and create smooth shading. I then layered colored pencils over the markers to add texture, depth, and individual feather details. Finally, I used a white gel pen to create highlights and make the illustration feel more realistic. This piece represents more than just my favorite dinosaur. It combines my passion for traditional art, my fascination with natural history, and my future career goals. I hope my artwork reflects the same curiosity, creativity, and love for dinosaurs that inspired Cash Ryder Lanspeary and continues to inspire me today.

Alyssa Huss For as long as I can remember, creating art has been the way I understand and connect with the world. Whether I am sculpting, painting, fabricating props, or building detailed miniature environments, I have always been drawn to making something with my hands. Art has never been just a hobby for me, it has been a constant thread throughout my life and the foundation of the person I am today. I began my college education at Suffolk County Community College before transferring to SUNY New Paltz, where I was accepted into the Sculpture B.F.A. program. Although my educational path was not perfectly linear, every challenge I faced strengthened my determination and helped me better understand the kind of artist and person I wanted to become. During my time away from school, I continued developing my artistic skills in professional settings. I worked in film and television, creating and fabricating props, dressing sets, and collaborating with talented artists to bring stories to life. Working in this industry taught me that art has the power to transport people, preserve history, and create meaningful experiences. It also strengthened my abilities in sculpture, painting, fabrication, mixed media, and problem-solving under pressure. At the same time, I worked as a Plover Steward with Suffolk County Parks, helping protect endangered shorebird nesting habitats. While this work may seem unrelated to art, it deepened my appreciation for preservation. Growing up with a grandfather who dedicated his career to environmental conservation inspired me to see preservation in a broader sense—not only protecting nature, but also protecting history, culture, and the artwork that tells our stories. This realization sparked my passion for museum work and art conservation, where I hope to combine my artistic background with my desire to preserve our shared cultural heritage. I am returning to school with renewed purpose and clear goals. My dream is to build a career preserving historical artwork and artifacts while continuing to create art of my own. I believe artists have a responsibility not only to make new work but also to protect the work that came before us so future generations can learn from and appreciate it. Receiving the Jacob Kelly Memorial Scholarship would help ease the financial burden of completing my education and allow me to focus more fully on my artistic and academic goals. More importantly, it would represent encouragement from people who believe, as Jacob did, that pursuing one's creative passion is worthwhile. His story is a reminder that life is precious and that we should dedicate ourselves to the things we love. I hope to honor that spirit by continuing to create meaningful work, preserving the artistic achievements of others, and using my skills to make a lasting contribution to the arts. This scholarship would not only support my education, it would help me continue pursuing the passion that has shaped my life and the future I am working every day to build.

As a sculpture student at SUNY New Paltz, I have found a profound and unique way to express my emotions and engage with critical societal issues. One such issue that has deeply impacted New York and communities across the country is gun violence. Gun violence is a pressing concern that affects the lives of countless individuals and families in New York. It is a multifaceted issue with deeply rooted social, economic, and political dimensions. As an art student, I believe that I can make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing efforts to address this problem by using sculpture as a medium to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and foster empathy. My journey in sculpture has been characterized by a profound exploration of creativity and craftsmanship. Through years of study and hands-on experience, I have honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of sculpture. Sculpture, as an art form, allows for the creation of three-dimensional, representations of ideas, emotions, and experiences. This characteristic of sculpture makes it an ideal medium for expressing the profound impact of gun violence. Art has always been a powerful means of conveying complex emotions and ideas. As an aspiring prop designer , I am motivated by giving life to abstract concepts and emotional experiences through physical forms. It is through this process that I hope to connect with my local community on the issue of gun violence. By using my art to capture the stories of survivors, families, and communities affected by gun violence, I hope to engage the public on a deeper emotional level. These sculptures will serve as a bridge between the statistics and headlines, making the issue more personal and relatable to individuals who might otherwise feel disconnected from it. This creates a platform for open discussions, where people from various backgrounds can come together to share their perspectives and experiences. Through these dialogues, I hope to foster empathy and understanding among community members, breaking down barriers and preconceptions. Art has a unique ability to transcend language and cultural boundaries, making it a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. By using sculpture, I aim to create a space where diverse voices can be heard and where collective solutions to gun violence can be explored. This approach aligns with the broader effort to reduce gun violence in New York, as it encourages individuals to collaborate and work together towards a safer and more compassionate community. As an experienced college student with big goals to become a prop designer, I am eager to merge the worlds of art and practicality in my efforts to address gun violence. While sculptures serve as a form of expression, they can also be used as props and visual elements in various media, from films to public events. By working towards a career in prop design, I hope to continue advocating for the reduction of gun violence while reaching a wider audience through diverse artistic mediums. In conclusion, my college education in sculpture equips me with the means to give back to my local community and contribute to the reduction of the epidemic of gun violence in New York. Sculpture allows me to express the emotional and social impact of gun violence, engaging the community in meaningful conversations. By hosting exhibitions and workshops, I intend to foster dialogue, empathy, and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately working towards a safer and more compassionate New York. Through my art, I aspire to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address this pressing issue and make a positive impact on my local community and beyond.