Brevard Public School Art Educators to Receive Scholarships for Renowned Creative Workshops
By Space Coast Daily // February 15, 2024
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship program at the Community Foundation for Brevard.
Since 2016, the program has awarded 47 scholarships to Brevard Public School art educators to inspire them and the students they teach.
The scholarship will fund tuition, related fees, including a travel stipend, and room and board for a weeklong workshop of each teacher’s choice at the internationally recognized visual art education center, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, during the summer of 2024.
Recipients of the 2024 Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship:
Megan Fernandez – Tropical Elementary School, Merritt Island.
Laura “Leann” Reynolds – Indialantic Elementary School, Indialantic.
“The impact of this program reaches far beyond these talented and dedicated art teachers,” said Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard. “These educators ignite the creative sparks within thousands of students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nancy and Rick for their philanthropic vision and unwavering dedication to art education within and beyond the classroom.”
Artist and retired Eastern Florida State College professor of art Nancy Baur Dillen and her husband Rick created the scholarship program with the Community Foundation for Brevard to give art teachers the opportunity to share, develop, and grow as artists and educators.
A committee of artists, educators, and community members reviews the applications and recommends finalists to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“Year after year, we’ve seen these dedicated teachers return to the classroom with renewed energy and enthusiasm, which is a win-win for all,” said Nancy Baur Dillen. “As a retired art professor, I know from experience that when teachers feel refreshed and inspired, they spark the creativity of our entire art ecosystem.”
Brevard Public Schools art teachers interested in applying for the 2025 scholarship are encouraged to follow the Community Foundation for Brevard’s Facebook and Linkedin pages and visit bit.ly/ArtTeacherScholarship where updates are posted.
Key dates to note: the application will become available in September 2024, and the application period will run from December 2024 through mid-January 2025 so that teachers can work on the application during winter break.
“Receiving this scholarship means more to me than words can express,” said Megan Fernandez. “It not only provides financial support for my artistic endeavors but also serves as a validation of my passion and dedication to the arts. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and using the knowledge gained to contribute meaningfully to the artistic community.”
About Community Foundation for Brevard
Since 1981 the Community Foundation for Brevard has served as a leader and resource for philanthropic individuals and organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain Brevard’s quality of life. An independent, 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation provides the expertise, network of partners, and information that empowers philanthropists to maximize their impact in addressing critical needs and building a community where everyone can thrive. For more information, call 321-752-5505 or visit cfbrevard.org.
About Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a national art education center. The school offers weekend, one- and two-week workshops for the beginner to advanced artists taught by national and international practicing studio artists and university faculty. Students work and learn in professionally equipped studios on a 14-acre residential campus in Gatlinburg, TN.
