Scholarship Winners

NVHG awarded a $2200 scholarship to a local high school senior who plans to study art following his graduation from Stonewall Jackson High School (located in Prince William County, Virginia). The Margaret Dellert-Kay Singleton Scholarship was presented to Erick Martinez at the annual Scholarship Dinner on June 10, 2019, in Falls Church, Virginia.

Erick describes his work as an exploration of color and texture to elicit an emotional response. He states, "I use a vibrant, yet subtle palette to emphasize the values and space within the piece. My pieces often evoke a sense of forced isolation that breeds sorrow. They are genuine and pure. I work with specific intention, but not forced. I want the viewer to thoughtfully unpack the artwork and understand the subtleties within."

Erick describes himself as a quasi-perfectionist, striving to create works of art that are not overworked. He aspires to be a successful visual artist in the digital field. He has been accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, Virginia, where he hopes to enhance his artistic capabilities with additional art education and training. He explains, "With support from the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild, I will be able to strengthen my abilities and reach new heights."