Masterton Trust Lands Trust Education Committee chairwoman Christine Brewster with 2019 Golden C’Art Scholarship winner Ambhar Graham. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
ELI HILL
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The art careers of two former Wairarapa college students have received a kick-start when they were both awarded $1000 scholarships to further their education.
Ambhar Graham [ex-Wairarapa College] and Sophie-Marie Thirsk [ex-St Matthew’s Collegiate] have both received a Golden C’Art Scholarship from the Masterton Trust Lands Trust.
Graham is studying towards a creative technologies diploma at Weltec while Thirsk is studying towards a degree in design and innovation at Victoria University.
The scholarship is awarded to a top performing Wairarapa student in a fine arts subject who is going on to study an arts-related course at a New Zealand tertiary institution, but this year it was decided to reward two students.
The recipients are selected by Wairarapa secondary school principals.
Graham said it was a “big surprise” to get the scholarship, which she used to purchase a new laptop to use with her digital design course.
“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to buy the laptop which has made a big difference to me in doing my course and assignments.”
Graham said she was grateful to MTLT for the scholarship.
“It’s not just the money. It was really good to get recognition for my artwork and the effort that I’ve put into it.”
Graham said she has been enjoying the course, which she hopes will lead to further art-related study.
“The skills I’m gaining from this course will also help with possible career options in the future.”
MTLT has taken over the scholarship from the Golden C’Art Trust, which dissolved last year.
“It’s great that the trust has continued on with this scholarship, not just for me but for other students in the future,” Graham said.
“It’s important to have a local organisation providing this sort of support, particularly for art students who often need special equipment or art supplies for their course.”
