Scholarships

Helping students and teachers pursue their dreams.

For Educators:

The Wendy & Alan Pesky Educator Scholarship

Wendy and Alan Pesky are long-time supporters of the Sun Valley Museum of Art and arts education. As founders of the Lee Pesky Learning Center, Wendy and Alan have built Idaho's leading organization for early special education. They have worked extensively with students, educators and universities in numerous capacities to further education in Idaho and beyond. This scholarship is intended for educators in the Wood River Valley who work in public or private schools teaching pre-K through 12th grade. Educators can use these scholarship funds to support formal professional development in the visual arts, performing arts or humanities.

If you are interested in taking a SVMoA class for professional development, please contact [email protected].

For Students:

The Gay V. Weake Scholarship

This scholarship is named after Gay V. Weake, a past Executive Director at the Sun Valley Museum of Art and a great supporter of art education. The intention of this scholarship is to benefit students who are serious about pursuing the arts as their college major. 

Hardy Kaslo Arts & Humanities Scholarship

This scholarship is named for Kay Hardy and Gregory Kaslo, longtime supporters of arts and education in the state of Idaho. This award is given to high school students enrolled at Wood River High School, Silver Creek High School, or Carey School who are pursuing study in the arts or humanities, including a specific program, trade school, college, internship, or apprenticeship.

High School Arts & Humanities Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for Blaine County high school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 looking to further their artistic pursuits in the visual arts, performing arts or humanities.

Jack Thornton Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

When Jack Thornton passed away in 2017, he left behind an incomparable legacy of support for this community and the arts that began more than three decades ago. During the course of his life, Jack’s philanthropy knew no bounds and he often quietly supported organizations and individuals with no fanfare or recognition. He was a visionary. Jack’s love of music and lifetime learning were exemplified by his own pursuits and his ability to embrace life to the fullest. In honor of Jack Thornton’s support of the Sun Valley Museum of Art (formerly Sun Valley Center for the Arts), the Board of Directors have begun a scholarship in his name to support a performing arts student. This award is given to either a high school junior or senior pursuing advanced study in the performing arts outside of the Wood River Valley.

"That Time I Knew I Belonged"
2024 Writing Competition

“That Time I Knew I Belonged” is a writing competition sponsored by The Alliance of Idaho and the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA). The competition is open to high school juniors and seniors who attend schools in the Wood River Valley. Submissions can be written in English or Spanish.