This series will be led by four young Scholastic Awards winners who have explored topics of grief, bereavement, and resilience through a variety of art and writing genres. Join us, our talented workshop facilitators, and fellow young creators from across the world in developing your art and writing skills through these workshops sponsored by the New York Life Foundation.
Schedule:
November 12, 7:00 pm EST: Writing & Grief with RC Davis – Register on Zoom here!
November 19, 7:00 pm EST: Visual Art & Grief with Madelyn Arnold – Register on Zoom here!
November 26, 7:00 pm EST: Visual Art & Grief with Brenna Rusk – Register on Zoom here!
December 5, 7:00 pm EST: Writing & Grief with Diane Sun – Register on Zoom here!
This workshop series is free and open to all young people. Participants may sign up for more than one session.
Art and writing work about grief and bereavement created by teens in grades 7–12, ages 13 and up, may be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship through the New York Life Award, sponsored by the New York Life Foundation.
About the Facilitators
Diane Sun (she/her/hers)
Diane Sun is a sophomore at Harvard College studying philosophy and linguistics, and was the 2022 National Student Poet of the West. During her tenure as National Student Poet, she paneled and performed across the country, including at the White House for First Lady Jill Biden. Now, she’s pursuing the intersections of language, metaphysics, and social relations.
RC Davis (he/him/his)
RC Davis was the 2021 National Student Poet of the Midwest. His work has appeared in Driftwood, 3Elements Review, Bodega Magazine, and elsewhere, and he was featured in the anthology, Respect the Mic. Originally from Oak Park, Illinois, he is studying philosophy and creative writing at Oberlin College.
Madelyn Arnold (they/them/theirs)
Madelyn (Maddy) Arnold is a first year student at University of California Santa Cruz, studying marine biology and art. Their primary artistic mediums are watercolor, mixed media, and photography. They hope in the future to combine their passion for science and art to further efforts for conservation and more accessible education on the importance of persevering and protecting our planet.
Brenna Rusk (she/her/hers)
Brenna Rusk is an award-winning multi-media artist. She is a 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Medal Portfolio recipient, receiving a $12,500 scholarship. Brenna’s portfolio, In My Line of Sight: Thoughts of Mind, earned her the Harry and Betty Quadracci Art Portfolio Award. As a young creative cultivating her artistic style in this modern-day industry, she finds herself wanting to remind everyone of the power of imagination. Brenna hopes to inspire others through storytelling, transporting audiences on what seems like unimaginable adventures through different cultures, fantasies, and tales of friendship.
Featured Image: Madelyn Arnold, March 23, 2023, Digital Art. Grade 12, Denver East High School, Denver, CO. Alexandra Overby, Educator; Colorado Art Awards Inc., Affiliate. Silver Medal, New York Life Award