Spring/Summer 2012
Headliners
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Five Students Collect the Beutner Family Award for Excellence in the Arts Three years ago, Austin Beutner, chair of the Institute’s Board of Trustees, and his wife Virginia expressed their commitment to arts education with a $1 million gift to enable outstanding CalArts students to complete their studies and make strong entrances into professional life. This support takes the form of the Beutner Family Award for Excellence in the Arts, a scholarship that helps ease the financial burdens on exceptionally talented CalArts students who are about to launch their professional careers. The Beutners’ gift is structured to provide five scholarships a year, up to $50,000 each, to fund undergraduate and graduate students in their final year of study, covering tuition and the cost of living. The overarching considerations for awarding the individual scholarships are financial need, the applicants’ demonstrated excellence in their work, and their potential for a promising career in the arts. “We are trying to help students pursue their passion in the arts without the staggering burden of college loans,” said the CalArts chairman. “Higher education needs to be more affordable so every student can pursue his or her dream.”
ABOVE Beutner Family Award recipients (from left) Sofia Canales, Arturo Molinar-Avitia, Drew Foster, Christopher Burnett and Antonio Gennaro
The Institute announced the five 2012 recipients of the Beutner Family Award in March. They are: Christopher Burnett (bfa Program in Graphic Design, School of Art), Sofia Canales (bfa Program in Film and Video, School of Film/Video), Drew Foster (mfa Scene Design Program, School of Theater), Antonio Gennaro (bfa Percussion Program, The Herb Alpert School of Music) and Arturo Molinar-Avitia (mfa Program in Art, School of Art). “The Beutner Family Award is not just a vote of confidence in my artistry,” said scene designer Drew Foster, “but a validation and encouragement of the tremendous work created within the School of Theater—a vote for the necessity and vitality of live performance.” Added graphic designer Christopher Burnett: “The award isn’t only a scholarship; it’s a wonderful incentive for me to maintain the level of hard work and determination that I have pursued during my time at CalArts. I am very honored to be selected as a recipient and to represent the excellence this school continues to inspire.”