Five UCF art students were selected recently to receive J.R. Hopes Art Scholarships, ranging from one who wants “to challenge the audience’s senses” to another who wants “to create positive change.”
Chosen to receive the $2,000 scholarships were:
Austyn Bynon (sculpture, junior): “There are boundaries present between what may be considered ‘fine art’ and ‘fashion.’ I wish to merge the two in a way that each compliments the other, in a sense that fine art can be worn instead of just hung on the gallery wall.”
Christina Gardiakos (video, sophomore): “I would like to use my degree and professional experience to create an affordable, sustainable program run by artists that teaches art to middle and high school age students.”
Jordan Guzman (painting, junior): “My ultimate career goal is to lead an organization, in the next 10 years, which travels worldwide informing Christian churches about the importance of building and cultivating an artistic community. I would love for the artists’ gifts and talent to be validated, embraced and built up in order to further unity in diversity within their local community.”
Daniel Lukas (digital media, junior): “I had the opportunity to explore my curiosity of 3D modeling and animation in high school. Ever since then I have been passionate about preparing myself for a career in the 3D industry.”
Jacoub Reyes (photography, junior): “As an artist, I want to challenge the audience’s senses and aid them in trying to see past the picture plane.”
James R. Hopes, a member of the UCF Foundation board of directors and former senior vice president of marketing at AOL-Time Warner, said he established the scholarships three years ago to “support and encourage young artists whose public art can improve communities.”
