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Chad Okamoto Memorial Scholarship

Click here to download application for 2010. Due date is May 10^th, 2010.

Winner 2009: Nancy Sevier

Artist Statement

As a visual artist I am interested in using many mediums in my work, including photography. This work is done in black and white and is using a combination of portraiture and still life. I often use found objects in my work, especially found musical instruments. I have a passion for music but I am drawn to the shape of the instruments, often human-like in themselves. The instruments are often worn and pained with age, suggesting the passage of time and eliciting memories. In viewing portraits, we view a particular individual, and in doing so a part of our own identity is reflected back. I am currently working on my MFA in the spatial program. Combining photographs with sculpture has always been an interest of mine.

Chad Okamoto Scholarship Past Winners

• 2009-10 Nancy Sevier
• 2008-09 Teresa Kwon
• 2007-08 Danny Hellevig
• 2006-07 Nalyne Lunati
• 2005-06 Haneen Hammad
• 2004-05 Kevin Nguyen
• 2003-04 Eileen David
• 2002-03 Pamela Luk Yan Lam

ART & DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP IS IN MEMORY OF CHADWICK OKAMOTO

Chad Okamoto passionately pursued his life-long dream of becoming an artist.  His skills awarded him a place in the prestigious fine art program at UCLA where he earned his degree. This eventually led him to his dream job in September of 2001.  Finding such a job in the arts in the Bay Area took perseverance and a passion for his work.  It was a long journey, one that required hard work and patience.  When doors appeared shut Chad increased the breadth of his knowledge and experience with specialized classes at DeAnza College.  He entered drawing competitions to expand his creativity.  He pursued many art forms, primarily graphic design and animation.  Chad will be remembered not just as a talented artist, but also as a great friend, loyal brother, and devoted son.  He had a great outlook and enjoyed a well-rounded life.  He enjoyed the challenges of competition and strived to be the best he could be in the pursuits he loved: the arts, as well as baseball, gymnastics, and especially ice hockey.  Just a few short weeks after achieving his goal, a dream job in animation, Chad’s life ended tragically due to an unexpected medical condition.  This memorial scholarship was established to assist art students to fulfill their artistic dreams, so future artists will benefit from Chad Okamoto’s life. 

THE 2010 THEME: “Family" AND THE CRITERIA:

• Artwork must be display ready.
• All medium must be 2-dimentional.
• Judging of slides or submitted work will be conducted by SJSU-SHC staff with Art Department support. Slides must include: title, medium, dimensions,and artist’s name.
• Dimensions may range from 8.5”X11” to 6’x6’, framing excluded. 
• Winning piece or pieces (i.e. if work is a series of related pieces) will be displayed at the SJSU Student Health Center for a year. If the work is ongoing and the student would like to do a changing exhibition, criteria can be discussed in artist statement.
  

Click here to download application for 2010. Due date is May 10^th, 2010.