2022 BOB GERBERCHT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER by Pam Comfort
Although they have much in common as students in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) art program, our 2022 awardees also reflect the wide diversity represented by this year’s talented scholarship applicants.
goals. A re-entry college student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Nic balances his art studies and practice with running his own tattoo shop and volunteering extensively for multiple non-profit organizations benefiting marginalized populations.
Sasha Mosquera is described by her professors as a “rare talent” who exhibits impressive academics and outstanding technical and conceptual abilities, while demonstrating tenacity and teachability. She is currently enrolled in a dual degree program working toward a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Media and a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a studio emphasis in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking.
While he aspires to become a college art professor, Nic also envisions pursuing an art career that has wide impact by creating pieces which inspire self-reflection and engagement. His university professors commend his focus, drive and maturity, and have noted that he takes the time to encourage his younger and less confident classmates.
Commissioned by UNLV to create a massive mural, a member of the administration says Sasha artfully portrayed the people on campus “as they are: richly diverse and in motion.” Sasha’s goal is to pursue a career in art in order to create visual content that communicates a message. We agree with her painting and design professor that awarding the PSWC scholarship to Sasha is a great investment in our future art world. Nic Giordano has big goals. He also has the skills, talent, and life experience to help him reach those
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Both Sasha and Nic sent notes of sincere appreciation upon hearing about their awards, and each mentioned a desire to have a positive impact on the accessibility of art education for future generations. If you know of students who might benefit from a scholarship grant, please encourage them to visit the Scholarship page on the Pastel Society of the West Coast website https://pswc.ws/artscholarship/. Applications are accepted until April 15 for the following academic year.