Education & Scholarships


Education & Scholarships

Helping Artists Grow

The mission of the Friends of Western Art is to expand appreciation and knowledge of Western Art through education. It is a natural fit for the Friends of Western Art to grant funding for youth art programs. FWA Board grants yearly support for scholarships and school art supply money connected with western art projects.


Learn more about our educational efforts

We’ve been asked, “What are the subjects that you consider to be Western or Southwestern art?” The following is a list of subject matter along with resources that may be helpful:


Architecture

Missions, ranch houses, mountain cabins, old buildings, farms, barns, adobe buildings, saloons, ghost towns, old Tucson Tile roofs, old gates and doors, rail fences, old walls, patios, corrals, bridges, old mine frames, windmills, arches, mail boxes, wells

Gardens

Fountains, arbors, gates, pathways, walkways, garden walls, fences, umbrellas, wagons, carts Flowers, flower pots, bougainvillea, holly hocks, cacti.

Landscape

Desert flowers, cactus flowers, saguaro, ocotillo, agave, yucca, cottonwoods, aspen, pines, palo verde, mesquite forests, chaparral Mountains, streams, rock formations, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, Colorado River, Monument Valley, desert roads, sunsets, clouds, trains, railroad tracks, Sedona’s red cliffs.

Birds

Roadrunner, quail, wild turkey, buzzard, hawk, woodpecker, dove, cactus wren.

Animals

Buffalo, gila monster, mule, burro, antelope, cougar, deer, elk, jack rabbit, coyote, bob cat, badger, rattlesnake, cow, horse, desert fox, javelina, rooster.

Figures

Cowboy, cowgirl, Indian, Indian dancer, children in western dress.

Events

Rodeo, rodeo parade, round-up, branding, calf roping, mercado, fiesta, Indian event.

Conveyances

Wagons, stage coaches, horse-drawn carriages.

Resources/Inspirations

Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, Tumacacori Mission, San Xavier Mission, Tucson barrio, Sonoita, Patagonia, Picacho Peak, Tohono Chul Park, Tombstone, Catalina State Park, Railroad Museum, Arizona Historical Museum, old photos, Indian ruins, Mt. Lemmon.

Southwest MandalaCoyote sculptureKids wildlife sculptures


little girl looking at clay sculptures of turtle


Could you use more art supplies for your students?


The mission of the Friends of Western Art is to expand appreciation and knowledge of Western Art through education. It is a natural fit for the Friends of Western Art to grant funding for youth art programs. FWA Board grants yearly support for scholarships and school art supply money connected with western art projects.


CLICK HERE to fill out the Teacher Art Supply Grant Application


Scholarships

Educational Assistance For Southern Arizonans (South of Gila River)

  • Mentoring and guidance by local artists and teachers for growing artists.
  • Individual scholarships for academic institutions, art workshops, etc.
  • Financial assistance for individuals or groups.


*Please be advised there are three types of scholarships awarded by the FWA. Those for college or university students, those for an individual’s attendance at specific workshops/events and those for organizations.


CLICK HERE to fill out the Scholarship Application Form


Harley Brown Workshop

Honoring Tucson artist Harley Brown, the Friends of Western Art will present scholarships in his name to students from Southern Arizona to attend the workshops or classes.


CLICK HERE to fill out the Event or Workshop Application Form


CLICK HERE to fill out the Financial Assistance for a Business or Organization Application Form


Tucson Festival of Books

The two-day Tucson Festival of Books attracts more than 130,000 book-lovers to the UA Mall and nearby venues for exhibits, presentations and panel discussions.

www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

Promoting the Awareness of Art of the American West

Do have an affinity and love for western art?
Why not partner with the Friends of Western Art by donating to our organization. Help us bring awareness to this style of creativity and continue to encourage others through our grants and scholarships.