Lavonne Cox Scholarship

April is an exciting time for Blue Ridge High School seniors who want to further their Art education in college. The High Country Art Association funds three $1,000 art education scholarships for graduating seniors. Each student submits an academic record; activity and interests record and a portfolio of three pieces of recent work to qualify for a scholarship.  The scholarships are totally funded by the proceeds from the silent auction at the Fourth of July festival. It is only with the generosity of vendors and gallery members who donate items to be auctioned that we can support young artists from the White Mountains.  If you want to be on the evaluation committee reviewing student portfolios please contact Mary Brye 775-513- 4404 or [email protected]

In the beginning of the High-Country Art Association, our founding members included Lavonne Cox.  Lavonne was an art teacher, earning her degree in Art Education at Montevallo College in Alabama. She was a very accomplished artist and musician in her own right.  She taught in St. Johns, the Navajo Reservation, McNary and Pinetop-Lakeside for many years.  After her retirement she became more active in the HCAA organization.  After the passing of her husband, Billy, in 2002, she moved to Colorado to be closer to her family where she continued to paint and teach. Lavonne was not only a teacher, but continued to take classes and study with other artists, always improving her art.  She was a firm believer that art should be taught to every child, and continued throughout school. 

Upon her passing in June of 2007, her family made a donation in her honor.  She wanted a fund set up for the education of our members, to be able to take advanced classes to further their art education. 

This is why the Lavonne Cox Fund is separate from the rest of our organization funds in order to comply with our 501(c) 4. HCAA also continues to contribute to the fund through donations from our members, through the sales of their donated art, or profit from classes held by the HCAA.  This money is for members only education. 

To apply for funds from the Cox Fund, an application is available below.  The fund must be used for education (classes, seminars, etc.) to improve one’s art or skills, to learn new techniques and methods.  It does not cover expenses, such as materials, travel or lodging. It is meant to cover the tuition or fee for the class. It is not a large fund, but it has been a worthwhile fund for the members of HCAA.  So, if you are interested in a class or program to improve your skills, but the cost of the class is holding you back, consider applying.  The application will be assessed by members of the Board for approval. The applicant will be notified of their decision.