NORWICH – As the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival celebrates its 20th year, it also provides a platform for high school students to receive scholarships and present their artwork alongside other artists. The Francis K. Wilcox Scholarship will be awarded to two emerging young artists who will receive $350 each. Each winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate, which will be redeemable for Golden Artist Colors products. The festival is scheduled for Sept. 6-7, 2014, in downtown Norwich.

The scholarship application deadline is June 13 and is open to students who will be juniors and seniors during the 2014-15 academic year. Those students located in Chenango County or bordering counties are encouraged to apply, including students from private schools or those who are home-schooled. A jury experienced in the arts will review each application before determining the winners. “Jury decisions will be based on creativity, workmanship, continuity of work, and a written biography,” states a Colorscape press release.

Francis Wilcox, the man behind the Wilcox scholarship, worked as a high school music teacher for most of his career. “I thought it would be nice for art students and would give them a chance to explore their field,” he said when explaining the reasoning behind starting the scholarship.