Scholarship Profiles

Clive Hacker

Graphic Design, CCA Alumni and Friends Design Scholarship

“I had heard a lot about CCA’s great reputation, and my brother Trevor had also attended. I came to visit and knew this was the right atmosphere for me.” Clive loves the feeling of community at CCA, and the experience of working with so many teachers who are also working artists. “Nathan Lynch, one of my first teachers here, was very inspirational and introduced me to new ideas. Mark Fox helped me realize the necessary work ethic.”

Clive hopes to work as a graphic designer and someday start his own company. To donors he says, “Getting a scholarship made it possible for me to attend CCA. Thank you so much. Not everyone has the opportunity to attend an art school like this. You make it possible for talented individuals to make something of themselves.”

Vanessa Flores

Writing and Literature, Walter J. Menrath Scholarship

Vanessa came to CCA specifically for its writing program and the interdisciplinary setting it provides for her work. “I love CCA because of the wonderful connections I am able to have with the faculty and because the school is so small and intimate. I love the personal environment in the classroom. I feel like my opinion matters.” Scholarship support lifted financial worries from Vanessa’s shoulders and gave her the freedom to concentrate on her studies. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.

Merav Tzur

Individualized Major, Albertina “Nina” Zanzi Endowed Scholarship

Merav, who grew up in Israel, dreamed of a CCA education, but with her family unable to help financially, she thought it would be impossible. “My portfolio was well received, and I was encouraged to apply for financial aid. The interview was almost like a fantasy.” With graduation approaching, Merav is grateful for the time she’s spent at CCA. “All the studio teachers were absolutely exceptional. Every moment was worth it.”

CCA introduced her to new ideas and challenged her to expand the scope of her performance-based installation work. She has been accepted to the graduate art programs at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Columbia.

Justin Olerud

Painting, Vivian Bolton Scholarship

Justin has been immensely inspired by CCA’s location. “The setting is gorgeous, and perfect for my art. I’ve met so many different creative people who have impacted me, and helped me formulate ways of viewing the world. I was inspired by each painting teacher’s different outlook on things. They have such varied aesthetics, and yet they’re all about hard work. They want you to paint as much as possible, and they provide a great support system.”

Scholarships helped Justin afford CCA. “I took out fewer loans and was able to support myself. I think everyone should have a college education, but not everyone can afford it without help. It’s not just the money, although that’s very much appreciated. A scholarship is special, and helps a student feel important.”

Annie Frykholm

Ceramics, Arthur E. Nelson Memorial Scholarship

“I chose CCA for its reputation in both ceramics and photography.” Annie’s ceramic work is heavily influenced by textiles and “the small traditional craft objects that are fading away.” Annie enjoys the close community at CCA and being in a studio environment where she can share ideas with other students. She has been inspired by CCA’s emphasis on balancing theory with craft, and she sees her future work moving toward the realms of theory and writing.

Scholarships have made it all possible. “My parents aren’t able to help. I take out loans and work two jobs to cover expenses, and it’s still a struggle. Without scholarships I just wouldn’t be here. Your gifts are hugely appreciated, and I can’t say thank you enough. I’m grateful that people are willing to make the investment to help artists achieve something and change the future.”

Jon Tracy

Painting/Drawing, Richard K. Price Scholarship

Jon chose to attend CCA because of its top-notch faculty and supportive academic
environment. Citing Jack Mendenhall as particularly influential, he says that
“the professors are what make CCA for me. They are all experts. I don’t know
any other school with a lineup like this in both design and fine arts.” Jon works
primarily with oil on canvas, contemporizing the figurative style. He believes that
art making is a responsibility that demands a strong work ethic.

Art Education alumnus Richard K. Price established this scholarship to support young artists like
Jon who continue the commitment to art that mattered so much to him. Jon says
that without scholarships and grants, CCA wouldn’t have been an option for him.
“A little goes a long way. The less I have to worry about finances, the more I can
think about my work.”

Juan Leguizamon

Graphic Design, OgilvyOne Scholarship

“There’s so much I love about CCA, especially the sense of community. You develop
close relationships with your classmates and teachers. It’s about collaboration, not
competition.” Juan finds the college to be unique in every way: “You learn skills,
but you also learn to think. Faculty and other students really support you and help
you get your work out there.”

The OgilvyOne Scholarship was created in 2005 by the
renowned advertising and design firm to strengthen the field by educating writers
and graphic designers.

Juan is currently interning at Razorfish, where he plans to
work after graduation. “When I first got a scholarship, I went to dinner and met
the person who gave the money for it. I was living in practically a closet then, and
it meant a lot for someone to acknowledge that students have a hard time. This is a
special place, and the feeling that people are looking after you, caring that you are
part of the CCA community, means so much.”

Jeffrey Yee

Fashion Design, Design Scholarship

Jeffrey came from New York to attend CCA because of the school’s atmosphere.
“I feel a connection among the students that is both intimate and supportive. I like
how the different disciplines interact and inspire each other. CCA sets a standard for
quality in arts education. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

After graduation he plans to work in the fashion industry until he is able to start his own business and take his work abroad. The Design Scholarship enabled him to attend CCA. “There are so many bright people out there who do not have the ability to pay for school on their own. Your contribution gives them the chance to bring their talents to the outside world.”

Michael Braithwaite

Visual Studies, Humanities Scholarship

Michael explores cultural and social theory in her work, and she enjoys the wide
variety of courses offered at CCA. After graduation she plans to pursue a master’s
degree in cultural production and, eventually, a doctorate in religion, gender, and
culture. Receiving the Humanities Scholarship made her CCA education possible.

To donors she says: “Thank you so much. Scholarships are an extremely important
factor in funding a private higher education. Not all students come from a
background where their families are able to pay for their educational expenses.”

Cacy Duncan

Writing and Literature, Collegewide Scholarship

Before CCA, Cacy attended Carnegie Mellon University and Pratt Institute, where
she studied creative writing and explored costume design, theater, and visual art.
“I knew I wanted a writing program at an art school, where creative writing would
be treated as its own discipline rather than simply an elective in the English
department.”

She appreciates that the Collegewide Scholarship is enabling her
to graduate with a reduced burden of student loan debt. “My work has definitely
found direction since I came to CCA,” she continues. “I now know that I want to
create graphic novels and work in animation.”

Melissa Spooner

Master of Architecture, Bernard Osher Foundation Scholarship

Melissa received a BFA from California Institute of the Arts in the field of dance,
which led to her current focus on the movement of the body through space. She
chose to pursue an advanced architecture degree at CCA because of the college’s
interdisciplinary approach.

“CCA has a fantastic working faculty, very in touch with
what is currently happening in the world outside academia,” she says. She also
appreciates the school’s vibrant, artful atmosphere. “I love walking through the
Nave every day and seeing all of the student works in painting, illustration, furniture,
graphic design, fashion. It’s a continual source of inspiration.”

Of scholarships, she says, “Given my undergraduate debt, grad school was not a decision I
made lightly. This scholarship allows me to focus on school and is a great, amazing
gift. Generous donors tilt the scale, making it possible for people to practice art.”