ESCANABA — Area artists over 18 years old who are looking to further their education in arts or crafts are welcome to apply to the Bonifas Arts Center for funding via the Barb Symon Scholarship. Applications for the $200 award will be accepted from April 2 through May 22 and the recipient will be announced at the opening reception of the Bonifas Members Show on June 7.

The Symon Scholarship is awarded once a year and may be applied to workshop/class fees, or travel and lodging/food expenses. Barb Symon was a highly respected weaver in the area and a founding member of the East Ludington Gallery. The scholarship was established by her husband, Charles, in her memory.

“This scholarship is offered to encourage further study in an artists’ field of arts or crafts through workshops or classes,” said Bonifas Regional Projects and Gallery Director Pasqua Warstler.

Two-time recipient of the Barb Symon Scholarship, Carol Irving of Escanaba, said the scholarship taught her valuable techniques, helping her to grow as an artist and inspiring her creativity.

“I knew Barb Symon, a wonderful weaver and artist,” Irving reminisced. “When she passed away, her husband created a fund for art scholarships. The first scholarship allowed me to take a week-long workshop with British weaver Peter Collingwood. This workshop and the technique called shaft-switching changed the direction of my work. The second scholarship was used at a weekend-long class with weaver/artist Mary Zicafoose. Her technique is amazing, and has many possibilities I have yet to explore.”

Two of Irving’s pieces were purchased by Bay College for its permanent collection from two different Northern Exposure awards. They are currently on display in the Bay College Library. Irving’s weavings were also recently on display at the Bonifas Lower Gallery in January and February.

For more information on the Bonifas Arts Center, visit www.bonifasarts.org, call (906) 786-3833, or stop in at 700 1st Ave. S. in Escanaba to pick up an application for the Barb Symon Scholarship.

Center hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.