SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

THE ALBERT FUND SCHOLARSHIP FOR KIDS IN THE VISUAL ARTS
& THE PADRE VENARD AWARD

Luis displays his dolphins
Luis M., 9, displays his dolphin drawing and model

The Albert Fund is our in-house scholarship program. We offer it annually to ten students 18 years old and younger whose families qualify for government assistance or other forms of public or private support with daily living expenses, or who suffer extenuating circumstances. We kindly ask for documentation to this effect from any family desiring to qualify a child for the Albert Fund.

All students awarded the Albert Fund Scholarship are entitled to one free hour of class every week for at least one full academic year. The student attends his or her weekly lesson in any of the regular slots available, but retains that slot as the regular class-time as long as possible throughout the year. Any student wishing to continue a second year will have his or her name entered into a random drawing, from which up to five names will be chosen, thus making room for new prospective students while giving further opportunities to devoted Albert Fund students.

In addition to the free lessons, the student also receives the Padre Venard Award, consisting of a complete kit of professional art materials to be used in and outside of class (an approximately $100.00 value in 2003).

The Albert Fund was established in loving memory of Albert Malero (June 10 1955-June 24 1982). His family offers this scholarship as the legacy of a gentle young man who served as a kind brother, son and friend. Albert, known for his tremendous faith in God and in the good-will of others, served as a devoted Big Brother to many fatherless children, and as a Captain in the US Air Force. As a young man, he sent a letter to President John F. Kennedy, who was so moved as to send him a personal reply. Albert worked as a passionate creative soul, excelling as a self-taught draftsman and painter when he himself found few opportunities for formal art studies.

The Padre Venard Award was established by Academy Director Ana E. Soto-Canino. The award serves to honor, in loving memory, the Franciscan Capuchin monk who sponsored her own art training in Old San Juan for several years, and who sponsored many struggling young artists and art students in a forceful creative atmosphere he himself helped generate.

Neither the Albert Fund nor the Padre Venard Award rests on endowments of any sort.
We simply have instructors volunteer their time and we pay for the materials out of the Academy's operating budget.
Thus, we warmly welcome your cash donations to the Albert Fund and the Padre Venard Award at any time.



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