2026 ACG Scholarship

 

The Guild is once again offering a $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior or a college student whose permanent address is in Erie County, NY, and who plans to pursue post-secondary education in the visual arts or fine crafts.
 

2026 Jeffrey Miller Memorial Scholarship

This year, we are honored to be working in conjunction with Jennifer Higgins to award two $500 scholarships in memory of her brother, artist Jeffrey Miller. Jeffrey was born on March 16, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, the twin brother of Jennifer Miller Higgins. He spent much of his life in Western New York, where his work and creativity left a lasting impression on both the built and natural environments around him.

Jeff studied at the Boston Museum School of Art and went on to work for many years as a form carpenter on major regional projects before later joining the grounds team at the East Aurora Country Club. Throughout his professional life, art remained central to his identity. Deeply committed to watercolor painting, Jeff was influenced by both local artists and master painters, and his work was exhibited nationally, including shows with the American Watercolor Society, the National Arts Club, and the National Academy of Design.

In addition to painting, Jeff expressed his artistic vision through furniture making, stonework, and the design and construction of his own home. A quiet, thoughtful, and deeply creative individual, everything Jeff made reflected his belief that art was an essential part of everyday life.

In honor of her twin brother and his lifelong dedication to art and craftsmanship, Jennifer has established two $500 scholarships for the Arts and Craftsmen Guild this year, celebrating Jeffrey Miller’s memory and artistic legacy.
 

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Instructions for completing the application...

 

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

The parameters for qualification of applicants is the same for all scholarships, and there is one application to submit. These awards are determined on a competitive basis and require the submission of three art portfolio pieces and an artist’s statement as well as a letter of recommendation.
 

Students residing in Erie County, New York, who plan to pursue college studies in the visual arts are encouraged to apply. College location does not affect eligibility.

 

All applicants will receive a complimentary 1yr membership in the guild.

 

PORTFOLIO

The portfolio should include 3 clear jpegs images e-mailed to the Arts and Craftsmen Guild at artsandcraftsmenguild@gmail.com.

 

All materials should be labeled with artist’s name, title of each piece (if any), media, dimensions, and year completed. Portfolio artwork may include drawings, painting, photography, ceramics, digital works, mixed media, printmaking, sculptures, et cetera.

 

Self-portraits, still lifes and figure studies may be included. Portfolios may include coursework or artwork created outside of art courses, preferably within the past two years. All Portfolio work must be the original artwork of the applicant.

 

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

The Artist’s Statement should include your reasons for wanting to be an artist, a description of artists and/or work that you admire, and your academic and artistic goals. Your statement should be 200-300 words (double spaced) in length. Be sure to include your name at the top of your statement.

 

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

A letter of recommendation from a current or past instructor familiar with your artistic qualifications should be included with the application.

 

DEADLINE

Complete the application form along with your 3 JPEGs of your artwork and artist’s statement and letter of recommendation by Friday, May 1, 2026, to be considered for the scholarship.

 

Any Questions please contact, John Thiesen at 716-652-6218.  

 

Winners will be notified by Friday, June 5, 2026. We will send a press release featuring the recipients of the art scholarship to their local papers, as well as including an article on our web-site. 

Winners also receive a one-year membership in the Arts & Craftsmen Guild.                                                                                                                       

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Please email Jack Thiesen at Artsandcraftsmenguild@gmail.com for more information.

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Scholarship Application
Beginning in 2024, all application submissions must be done by completing the form online. Please click on the button to submit your application.