Join us on April 13 for a beautiful Celtic concert! Find out More

Congratulations to our 2019 scholarship winners!

This year, we awarded $3,550 to 10 deserving students in music, dance and the visual arts.

Janelle Feng, Visual Arts | Teacher: Don Portelance
Fern Bouvier Arts Legacy Award

Janelle began studying the visual arts in grade 9. Since then, she has challenged herself by pushing her limits in the Art Enhancement class with Place des Arts teacher Don Portelance, in an online portfolio class, as well as during weekly Suite E life drawing sessions. Janelle’s role models Egon Schiele and Eliza Ivanova inspire her through their masterful understanding of mediums and solid forms. Motivated by the knowledge that there is no boundary to learning, Janelle continues to pursue her passion for arts as she moves forward in her post-secondary education at the California Institute of the Arts.

Andrew Wang, Piano | Teacher: Isaac Juarez-Flores
Scholarship for Advanced Musical Studies

At just eight years old, Andrew began learning to play piano in the Music for Young Children® program at Place des Arts. During his time in the program, Andrew quickly developed a deep appreciation for the unique instrument due to the wide variety of melodies that could be produced. Andrew’s motivation comes from his excitement to be able to play music from all the different eras in history. Learning piano and winning this scholarship reminds Andrew that, with enough passion and dedication, his endeavours can be successful.

William Bao, Piano | Teacher: Isaac Juarez-Flores
Elliott Harty Piano Scholarship

For the past four years, William has dedicated his time and energy into learning piano. He was first drawn to the instrument after watching a piano performance. William’s favourite memory at Place des Arts was performing in front of an audience for the first time. He felted proud that he overcame his nerves and successfully performed his piece. William, with the support of his teacher Isaac Juarez-Flores, is determined to continue his musical studies and complete level 10 over thenext four years.

Kathy Nguyen, Piano | Teacher: Isaac Juarez-Flores
Leonore Peyton Memorial Award

Kathy was inspired to play piano by watching her role model and older sister Kathleen practice and perform at recitals. Through her own exploration and lessons, Kathy began her musical journey at the age of seven. The wide range of genres and styles to explore on the piano motivates Kathy to continue learning the art form. Kathy shared that with encouragement to sign up for performances from her teacher Isaac Juarez-Flores, she was able to overcome her fear of performing, opening herself up to other people through music. Being able to convey her emotions through music is one of the reasons why Kathy continues to be inspired to learn more about playing piano.

Maria Pipa, Visual Arts | Teacher: Olga Pirogova
W.H. Sclater Memorial Scholarship

Like most of us, Maria’s first experience with drawing started at a young age. At the age of four, Maria’s parents gave her a huge box of coloured pencils that enabled her to put her ideas and fantasies to paper. Learning different drawing techniques from teacher Olga Pirogova inspires Maria to grow and master her repertoire of drawing techniques.

Daniel Sawyer, Piano | Teacher Isaac Juarez-Flores
Coquitlam Maillardville Heritage Trust Award

At the age of five, Daniel started playing piano in the Music for Young Children® program at Place des Arts. Through his MYC® teacher Cindy Sletmoen, Daniel discovered that learning piano is fun! Daniel says that he continues to be inspired by all the talented artists that he interacts with while studying at Place des Arts. Through the help and instruction of teacher Isaac Juarez-Flores, Daniel says he will continue to strive for the highest level of success.

Bella Han, Piano | Teacher: Marjory Purdy
Place des Arts Scholarship

Bella started learning piano at the young age of five after being mesmerized watching her older sister play. With encouragement from both her parents and older sister, Bella began her own piano lessons with teacher Margaret Purdy at Place des Arts. The ability to create an entire story through her music motivates Bella to continue playing piano. Bella finds inspiration at Place des Arts because, she says, “there are so many different talents in one building.” She says that the atmosphere at Place des Arts reminds her to keep doing what she’s doing.

Jane Halliday, Piano | Teacher Christina Krystecki
Place des Arts Scholarship

For Jane, music runs in the family. Both her mother and older sister were pianists and openly supported Jane in her decision to learn piano. Jane’s biggest role model is her mother. She admires how her mother exudes happiness when she plays and is still dedicated to her art even after many years. Much like at home, studying at Place des Arts constantly inspires Jane. She says, “Not only do I learn [at Place des Arts], but I also get the opportunity to watch other students play and learn from them.”

Jaycie Say, Piano | Teacher: Christina Krystecki
Place des Arts Scholarship

Jaycie began her musical journey at the age of four. After years of group lessons, Jacyie moved on to private lessons to further her skills. Her role model is teacher Christina Krystecki, who never fails to encourage her to have perseverance with her musical studies. For Jaycie, playing the piano has become the place where she feels calm and peaceful. Jaycie says, “Studying at Place des Art has inspired me to pursue my dreams at learning and growing in piano.”

Kadia Kindersley, Ballet | Teacher: Lucienne Anczykowski
Place des Arts Scholarship

Close Search