My name is Sarah Hughes, and I am a dedicated undergraduate student majoring in the visual arts. As I embark on my journey in this field, I am deeply inspired by the legacy of leaders like Wendy Alders Cartland, who have dedicated their lives to empowering under-resourced communities through the arts. Their commitment to providing opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to follow in their footsteps by using my passion for the visual arts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist in access to arts education. Many children from under-resourced communities lack exposure to the visual arts due to a lack of resources and support systems. As a low-income student myself, I understand the barriers that can stand in the way of pursuing one's dreams. However, I firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and pursue their passions, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Through my work in the visual arts, I plan to give back to youth in under-resourced communities by providing them with access to quality arts education and mentorship programs. Drawing from my own experiences and expertise, I aim to develop workshops and art initiatives that engage and inspire young people from diverse backgrounds. These programs will not only foster artistic skills but also cultivate confidence, creativity, and self-expression, empowering participants to reach their full potential. In addition to direct outreach initiatives, I am committed to leveraging my platform as an artist to advocate for greater access to arts education and resources in under-resourced communities. By partnering with local organizations, schools, and community centers, I hope to amplify the voices of marginalized youth and advocate for systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequity in arts education. As a student from a low-income background, I am particularly passionate about supporting and uplifting individuals facing similar challenges. I understand the importance of representation and inclusivity in arts education, and I am committed to creating spaces where all students feel valued and empowered to express themselves authentically. In conclusion, my dedication to giving back to youth in under-resourced communities through the visual arts is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and values. Through mentorship, outreach initiatives, and advocacy efforts, I am committed to empowering young people to explore their creativity, pursue their passions, and overcome barriers to success. With the support of the Wendy Alders Cartland Scholarship, I am confident that I can continue to make a positive impact and honor the legacy of leaders like Wendy who have paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in the arts.

Hello, my name is Sarah Hughes, and I am a junior at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) studying illustration. From an early age, I have always been captivated by the profound connection between art and science. These fields, often viewed as distinct and separate, share a deep coalition that fuels creativity and innovation. My pursuit of a degree in illustration stems from this understanding, recognizing that at the heart of every scientific breakthrough and artistic masterpiece lies a common starting point: the sketch. Historically, the greatest inventions and artistic achievements began with a simple sketch. Visionaries like Michelangelo exemplified the seamless interplay between art and science. His detailed anatomical drawings were not merely art; they were scientific studies that advanced our understanding of the human body. This legacy of intertwining art and science inspires my journey in illustration, reminding me that my work can bridge the gap between these two worlds. At SCAD, my academic journey has been both challenging and rewarding. The curriculum has allowed me to explore various facets of illustration, from traditional drawing techniques to cutting-edge digital design. Through coursework and projects, I have learned to convey complex concepts and narratives through visual art, making them accessible and engaging to a wide audience. My focus on editorial and publication design has particularly honed my ability to blend creativity with information, crafting illustrations that are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. My passion for illustration goes beyond creating visually appealing images; it is about giving a voice to ideas and inspiring others through my work. At the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), my focus on editorial and publication design allows me to explore this passion deeply. I aim to craft illustrations that do more than adorn pages—they should ignite creativity, provoke thought, and encourage innovation. Through my career, I hope to work on projects that inspire others to create and invent. The world today, perhaps more than ever, needs the power of art to drive positive change and progress. Art has the unique ability to communicate complex ideas, evoke emotions, and connect people across diverse backgrounds. By pursuing a career in illustration, I aspire to contribute to this global dialogue, using my skills to inspire and empower others. In conclusion, my pursuit of a degree in illustration is fueled by a deep appreciation for the coalition between art and science. I am committed to using my illustrations to inspire others, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. With the support of this scholarship, I aim to make a meaningful impact through my work, illustrating the boundless possibilities that arise when art and science come together.

As an artist, I find that the act of creating is what provides me with purpose and motivates me in my pursuit and passion in the world of visual arts. For me, it's a fundamental aspect of being human, and I believe that it's ingrained in our nature to create and reinvent the wheel time and time again. With the advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, digital art, and automatic script-writing tools, artists now have additional resources to tell their own stories through art. I find this incredibly exciting because creating art has never been more accessible. I am constantly amazed at the endless possibilities that technology offers in terms of visual storytelling. My passion for creating art goes beyond just the technical aspects of it. For me, it's about showcasing the unique aspects of human nature. I believe that we all have our own stories to tell, and as an artist, it's my job to bring those stories to life. Through my art, I aim to capture the laughter, pain, and perspectives that make us all different yet the same. I hope to use my work to bring people together and to spread love and kindness that has a ripple effect across the world. My big lifelong project is to create a series of illustrations that showcase what it means to be human. I am passionate about exploring the human experience and expressing it through my art. I want my work to be a celebration of diversity and a reminder that we are all in this together. I hope that through my illustrations, I can inspire others to see the beauty in the world around them and to connect with one another in meaningful ways. As a student of the arts, I am always looking for new ways to add the spirit of creation and storytelling to my future projects and ventures. I am excited to explore the use of various forms of media to enhance my storytelling. For example, I am interested in experimenting with animation or multimedia installations to bring my illustrations to life and engage audiences in a more interactive and immersive way. I also believe that collaboration is key to creating meaningful and impactful art. I hope to build a network of like-minded individuals who share my passion for creating and storytelling. Working with other artists, writers, or filmmakers will allow me to grow as an artist and continue to push boundaries in my work. In conclusion, the act of creating is what motivates me to pursue my passion in the world of visual arts. As an artist, I believe that it's my job to capture the essence of being human and to showcase the beauty of the world around us. Through my lifelong project of creating a series of illustrations that celebrate diversity and connection, I hope to inspire others to see the world through a different lens. With the advancements in technology and the support of a community of artists and creatives, I am excited to continue exploring new creative avenues and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with visual storytelling.

Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a single-parent household, my uncle's presence was crucial in shaping my passion for art. He lived with my mother and me during my early elementary years, and it was during this time that he introduced me to oil painting and drawing. I still remember sitting beside him, watching his skilled hands bring life to the canvas, and being mesmerized by the process. Growing up in a single-parent household, the after-school program provided by my elementary school was a crucial part of my routine. Since my mother worked full-time, I would stay at the program until she could pick me up in the evening. During this time, I would practice drawing and honing my artistic skills. My uncle and mother's support and encouragement have played a significant role in my decision to pursue art as a career. My mother's unwavering support, even in the smallest ways, has meant everything to me. Being an only child has also allowed me to have plenty of alone time, which I used to focus on my passion for art. I would spend hours in my room drawing and sketching, letting my imagination run wild. I found solace in the world of art, where I could express myself freely without any judgment or criticism. My uncle and mother's support and encouragement have played a significant role in my decision to pursue art as a career. I am currently studying illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, the same college my uncle attended. As I delve deeper into my studies, I realize how much art has influenced every aspect of my life. The arts have helped me develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, all of which are essential in today's world. The process of creating art has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of practice. Through art, I have learned to appreciate the beauty in the world around me and to see things from different perspectives. Coming from a single-parent household has also taught me the value of hard work and dedication. My mother has been an inspiration to me with her work ethic and unwavering commitment to providing for our family. Seeing her persevere through difficult times has motivated me to work harder and chase my dreams, no matter the obstacles. In conclusion, my passion for art has been shaped by my uncle's influence, my mother's support, and the freedom to express myself through the arts. Growing up in a single-parent household has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, and I hope to use the skills and values I have learned through art to make a positive impact in the world.

My spirit animal is a bear, and I recently created an illustration of it using gouache and colored pencils. The inspiration for this piece came from a mindful exercise that I participated in during class. In this exercise, we were asked to envision ourselves walking along a path and to visualize an animal that we encountered on our journey. The size and type of the animal we saw were meant to symbolize the way we view our problems, while the demeanor of the animal was meant to represent the way we overcome those problems. When I envisioned myself walking along the path, I saw a bear. To me, the bear symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience. It is a powerful animal that is known for its ability to adapt to its surroundings and overcome obstacles. As I continued my visualization, I imagined the bear calmly sitting on the path, with one arm reaching out as if to say hello. The scenery around the bear was peaceful and serene, with muted greens, yellows, and browns creating a sense of calm and tranquility. Trees could be seen in the background, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. I decided to use gouache and colored pencils to bring my vision to life on paper. Gouache is a type of paint that is similar to watercolor, but it is more opaque and can be layered to create a textured effect. I used gouache to paint the background of my piece, creating the peaceful and serene scenery that I had envisioned during my visualization exercise. I then used colored pencils to draw the bear and add details, carefully layering different shades of brown and black to create a sense of depth and texture. As I worked on my piece, I found myself feeling more connected to my spirit animal and to the symbolism that it represents. I was reminded of the importance of strength, and resilience, and of the need to approach problems with a calm and steady demeanor. I also realized the power of visualization and mindfulness in helping to connect with my inner self and to gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. In conclusion, my illustration of a bear is a representation of my spirit animal, which I encountered during a mindful exercise in class. The bear symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience, and the peaceful and serene scenery represents the way I aim to approach my problems. Through the use of gouache and colored pencils, I was able to bring my vision to life on paper and connect with the symbolism of my spirit animal on a deeper level. This piece serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and visualization in helping us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our inner strength.

Hello, my name is Sarah Hughes, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you how this scholarship would make a significant impact on my journey as an artist. Art has always been an essential part of my life. It has helped me cope with personal hardships and allowed me to express my creativity in ways that words could never fully capture. With the death of my father at just 6 years old and growing up with a low-income single mother, I clung to my love for art as a means to escape. This passion for art led me to pursue my dream of studying illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2018. Although my time at SCAD was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020, I am excited to share that I am planning to return to SCAD this fall to continue my studies and pursue my artistic passions. However, as a low-income student, I face financial barriers that make pursuing my dream of becoming an artist challenging. That is why this scholarship would be a game-changer for me. It would provide me with the financial assistance I need to continue my education and pursue my artistic goals. With this scholarship, I would have the resources to focus more on my studies and create meaningful art that inspires and brings people together. But this scholarship is more than just financial assistance. It is an opportunity for me to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist. It is an investment in my future, in my ability to make a positive impact on society through my art. As an individual who has faced financial hardship first-hand, I recognize the significance of giving back to my community. This scholarship would provide me with the necessary resources to create artwork that addresses critical social issues and motivates people to take action. Through my artistic abilities, I aspire to promote social justice, equality, and progress in our society. I am a firm believer that art is a powerful medium that can give voice to those who are unheard. It has the potential to influence society positively and make a lasting impact. My primary goal is to use my talent to help others and inspire young individuals to make a difference in the world. In short, this scholarship would help me achieve my dreams and make a meaningful impact on society. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply and hope that you will consider my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Art has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. When my father passed away when I was just six years old, it left my mother and me alone. Being an only child, I found myself spending a lot of time alone and used drawing as a way to entertain myself. It was during this time that my uncle, a painter, moved in with us and taught me how to draw. I would often watch him as he painted large portraits while I drew on my sketchpad. Thanks to his guidance, I won my first art award when I was just seven years old and from then on, I was hooked on fine art. In middle and high school, I made it a priority to take every available opportunity to study art. My last two years of high school were spent in the art rooms, where I painted murals, worked on my portfolio, and assisted the art teachers. All of my free time was devoted to art. When I was accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2018 to study illustration, it felt like a dream come true. SCAD was a haven for creative minds, and I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for the arts. Not to mention, SCAD is the same university my uncle graduated from. Sadly, my time at SCAD was cut short due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic, and I was forced to drop out in 2020. But my passion for the arts never faded, and I spent the next three years working and saving up money to continue my education. I'm now taking classes at Georgia Southern University and plan to transfer back to SCAD by this fall. In the future, I hope to use my art to give back to the community and help others achieve their goals in the arts. I believe that art is not just a form of self-expression but also a powerful tool for social change. I want to create opportunities for those who might not have the means to pursue art otherwise and help them find their voice through their art. I envision a future where everyone, regardless of their race, class, or gender, has access to the arts and can use it as a means of coping, healing, and making an impact on the world.

I have always been drawn to fine arts, and the decision to pursue a career in this field was an easy one for me. From a young age, I was fascinated by the way that art can be used to express oneself and to connect with others. I spent countless hours drawing, painting, and experimenting with different mediums and techniques, always striving to improve my skills and to create something new and unique. As I grew older, I realized that this was a passion that I wanted to pursue professionally, and I began to focus more on developing my artistic abilities. I took art classes in high school, and I participated in various art competitions and exhibitions. I also started to explore different styles and mediums, and to experiment with new techniques. I was especially drawn to painting and sculpture, and I found that these mediums allowed me to express myself in ways that I couldn't with words. One of the reasons I am so passionate about fine arts is the endless possibilities it offers. Each piece of artwork is unique, and the creative process is different for every artist. I enjoy the challenge of creating something new and original, and I am constantly inspired by the different styles, techniques, and mediums that are available. The act of creating art is also incredibly fulfilling, and it allows me to tap into my emotions and express myself in ways that words cannot. Another reason I am passionate about fine arts is the impact it can have on others. Art has the power to move people and evoke emotions in a way that is truly special. It can be used to bring people together, to inspire, and to change the world. I believe that as an artist, I have the ability to make a positive impact on the world through my work, and that is something that I am deeply committed to. I want to create art that resonates with people and that has the power to evoke emotion and inspire. I am particularly interested in contemporary art and its ability to explore social and political issues. I believe that art has the power to raise awareness and to spark conversations about important topics. I am also interested in creating art that is accessible to a wide range of people, and that can be enjoyed by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. In addition to my passion for fine arts, I am also dedicated to continuing to develop my skills and techniques. I believe that there is always room for growth and improvement, and that the process of learning and discovering new things is one of the most exciting parts of being an artist. I plan to take classes and workshops to continue to learn and improve my skills, and to stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in the field. In conclusion, I am pursuing a career in fine arts because it is my passion, and I believe it offers endless possibilities for self-expression, personal growth, and the ability to make a positive impact on the world. I am passionate about fine arts because of the endless possibilities it offers, the ability to express myself, and the ability to make a positive impact on the world. I am committed to continuing to develop my skills and techniques, and produce meaningful and impactful work. I believe my passion and dedication for this field would allow me to make a positive change in the world through my art and positively contribute to the community.

After college, I am committed to making my community and the world as a whole a better place through a combination of my passions, job, and hobbies. Firstly, I am passionate about the creative arts and I believe it is the best way to express myself. I have been exploring different mediums of art and I plan to continue creating art that can have a lasting impact on others. I find that the creative arts have the ability to evoke emotions in people and connect them in a way that nothing else can. I also believe that all humans are creative beings and anyone can be an artist, so I hope to inspire others to tap into their own creativity and express themselves as well. Additionally, I am deeply committed to being a global citizen and I hope to use my talents to help others through volunteer work and traveling. I currently volunteer in my community and plan to continue to do so in the future. I believe that volunteering is an important way to give back to the community, and I hope to use my skills and talents to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I also plan to continue traveling and volunteering in different parts of the world, as I believe that it will give me the opportunity to connect with other cultures and understand different perspectives. This will help me to be a better global citizen and make a meaningful impact in the world. I also care deeply about animals and their welfare, so I also strive to learn about how my actions impact them, and how to take steps to protect them. I actively support conservation efforts and organizations that work to protect endangered species and their habitats. I believe that protecting animals and their habitats is crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. Lastly, I am also deeply committed to combat climate change and I strive to make conscious efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I believe that by taking actions within my own community, I can make a real difference in the fight against climate change. I am making efforts to reduce my consumption and make conscious choices in my daily life such as reducing, reusing and recycling. I try to limit the use of plastic and use public transport or bike for short distance travel. Additionally, I stay informed and educated on the current state of climate change and take steps to reduce my carbon footprint. In conclusion, I plan to make my community and the world as a whole a better place through a combination of my passions, job, and hobbies. I am passionate about the creative arts and plan to continue creating art that has a lasting impact on others. I am also deeply committed to being a global citizen and plan to continue volunteering in my community and traveling to different parts of the world. I am dedicated to the welfare of animals and their habitats, and to the fight against climate change. I believe that by aligning my actions and choices with my values, I can make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world during and beyond college.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe, from rising sea levels and extreme weather events, to the loss of biodiversity and displacement of communities. It is an issue that affects us all and requires immediate action to combat it. In my opinion, the most impactful way to combat climate change is by taking actions within my own community. I believe that by making small changes in our daily lives, we can collectively make a big impact on the environment. I strive to reduce my consumption and make conscious efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I am conscious about my choices and I make a conscious effort to reduce waste and consumption. I stay away from fast fashion and instead, opt for clothing that is made with sustainable materials. I also make an effort to support local businesses and farmers markets, which helps to reduce my carbon footprint. These actions may seem small, but collectively they can make a big difference. I also believe it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the current state of climate change. By staying informed and educated, I am able to make more informed decisions about how to reduce my impact on the environment. I read articles and research on how to reduce my carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices. I am also aware of the ways in which my actions can impact the environment and I strive to make choices that are respectful to the environment. As an animal lover, I also care deeply about animals and their welfare, so I also strive to learn about how my actions impact them, and how to take steps to protect them. Climate change not only affects humans but also animals and their habitat. I also make an effort to support conservation efforts and organizations that work to protect endangered species and their habitats. My ultimate goal is to coexist with nature and to take actions that are respectful to the environment. I try to follow sustainable practices in my day to day life such as reducing, reusing and recycling. I also try to limit the use of plastic and use public transport or bike for short distance travel. By making these small changes in my daily life, I hope to reduce my impact on the environment and contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. I believe that by taking actions within my own community, I can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

The loss of my father at a young age has had a profound impact on my life. As an only child, I was left to navigate the loss on my own, without the support of a sibling who might have shared the experience with me. Growing up without a father has made me realize the importance of family and loved ones in our lives. I have come to understand that life is fragile and that we never know when our time will come. This realization has caused me to focus on what matters most in my life and to prioritize the people and things that are truly important to me. I have come to appreciate the value of family and the relationships we share. I have a close relationship with my mother and other family members who have been there for me throughout my life. They have been my source of strength and support during difficult times and I am grateful for their presence in my life. I also have a deep appreciation for the bond between a father and daughter, and I feel like I have missed out on that experience. However, I have learned that it is not the quantity of time that is important, but the quality of it. I am determined to make the most of the time I have with the people I love and to cherish each moment. In addition, I have also come to realize that the loss of my father has made me stronger and more determined to achieve my goals. I want to make the most of the time I have and to make the world a better place. I want to fight for the things that matter to me, including fighting for more support for children who grow up with a single parent. I believe that children should not have to grow up without the support and guidance of a parent and I want to be a voice for them. I have learned that Life is too short to wait and that I should start fighting for my dreams and goals now. In conclusion, the loss of my father has been a difficult and painful experience, but it has also taught me valuable lessons about the importance of family, loved ones, and the time we have with them. It has made me more focused on what matters most in my life and has given me the determination to fight for the things that I believe in, including fighting for more support for children who grow up with a single parent. I will always miss my father, but I will always remember him and the lessons he taught me through his absence.

I have always been deeply drawn to the creative arts. From a young age, I discovered that I had a natural inclination towards drawing and other forms of visual art. As I grew older, I began to explore other mediums such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Through these explorations, I discovered that the creative arts were not only a way for me to express myself, but they also provided me with a sense of fulfillment and joy. I believe that all humans are creative beings and that anyone can be an artist. I think that the ability to create is something that is inherent in all of us, and it is something that should be nurtured and encouraged. The act of creating is deeply personal, and it allows us to connect with our inner selves and the world around us. One of the earliest pieces of art that inspired me was Monet's series of paintings of water lilies. I remember seeing these paintings for the first time when I was in kindergarten and being struck by their beauty. The colors and composition of these paintings were so captivating that they left a lasting impression on me. To me, the imagery of water lilies represents peace and tranquility, and the paintings convey this sense of serenity in a way that is both powerful and moving. The creative arts have the power to connect people and evoke emotions in a way that nothing else can. They can inspire, challenge, and transform the way we see the world. As an artist, I have the ability to use my talents and imagination to create something that can have a lasting impact on others. This is what makes the pursuit of art so valuable and meaningful to me. The act of creating something new, something that didn't exist before, is something that fills me with a sense of purpose and pride. In conclusion, my passion for the creative arts is deeply rooted in my belief in the power of art to express myself and evoke emotions in others. The piece of art that holds the most importance to me is Monet's series of paintings of water lilies. These paintings have been an inspiration to me since my early childhood and they have shaped the way I view and understand art. The creative arts have the ability to connect people and evoke emotions, and the pursuit of art is a meaningful and fulfilling endeavor for me.