Betty Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Application
The Betty Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was established by OPA’s Board of Directors to honor her long-time commitment to the organization. After her retirement as the Finance Director for the City of Park Ridge, a large suburb of Chicago, she turned her attention towards oil painting. It wasn’t long before Betty was invited by founder Shirl Smithson to join OPA’s Board of Directors. Over the next 12 years Betty, with her strong business acumen, became a driving force on the Board, laying a strong foundation for OPA and successfully positioning the organization for future growth. She served in various roles over that time, including that of Treasurer and President.
Betty was a lifelong learner and devoted herself fully to learning how to paint, setting the same high standard for herself as she had done throughout her life. She immersed herself in learning as much as possible by reading voraciously on the subject, attending many workshops and demonstrations, and spending countless hours painting in her studio. While many people at age 60+ might elect to slow down, Betty was just getting started. With the energy and vigor of someone half her age she committed herself to becoming the best artist she could be and became quite an accomplished artist in her own right exhibiting her work in numerous galleries throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. In October, 2013, her alma mater, Iowa Wesleyan University, honored Betty’s accomplishments with a reception held in the Art Gallery, where 20-30 of her paintings were on display during the month of October. Betty and fellow Iowa Wesleyan alum Joel L. Keller (class of 2013) worked together to produce Come Walk With Me, a collection of ekphrasis (poetry inspired by paintings and other art forms), published in 2019, including about 35 of Betty’s paintings.
This scholarship acknowledges Betty’s love for learning and is geared towards individuals who are beginning their artistic journey later in life.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Applicants must be current members of OPA
- Applicants must be 55 years of age or older
- Artists should be in the early developmental stages of their painting career
Online Application Process
The online application form requires:
- Applicants must complete the online scholarship application by December 1.
- A brief essay on why you are interested in pursuing a career in painting. The document may be cut and pasted or processed directly into the online application form. Essays should be no more than 500 words.
- Applicant must submit two digital images of his/her artwork
Deadline
Application and attachments need to be turned in to Oil Painters of America by December 1.
Selection of Recipients
Oil Painters of America’s scholarship committee will review all applications and supporting materials received by December 1, and will select a recipient by February 1. All applicants agree to accept the committee’s decision as final.
Notification
Recipient of scholarship will be notified by February 1st.
Amount of Award
The $500 scholarship is to be applied towards an oil painting class or workshop.
Payment of Scholarship
Scholarships are not made directly to individuals. OPA will issue payment directly to the institution selected by the scholarship recipient.
Questions
Please send any questions or correspondence to kanderson@oilpaintersofamerica.com.
