Fox Valley Beaux Arts names annual scholarship winners

Fox Valley Beaux Arts, a nonprofit women's club founded in 1984 to foster and support the arts, recently presented eight Elgin area students with college scholarships valuing a total of $22,000.

"Our club's mission is to elevate the arts through area youth scholarships to those Elgin area high school seniors going on to major or minor in the arts in higher education" said Susan Pepa, club president. "We are proud to continue our tradition and award these amazing creative students."

These eight students were recently showcased at our "Taste of Talent" event held on May 3 at the Elgin Country Club.

The eight scholarship recipients all intend to pursue the arts in their areas of talent and interest this fall. The students are:

Madelyn Dobbeck, Larkin High School, Elgin (graphics - University of Dubuque)

Karoline Olechna, Bartlett High School, Bartlett (photography - University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign)

Katelyn Padgett, Larkin High School, Elgin (drawing, painting, graphics - School of the Art Institute of Chicago)

Stephanie Skrabacz, Elgin High School, Elgin (clarinet - Augustana College)

Ella Strzempa, St. Edward Central Catholic High School, Elgin (drawing, painting - Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design)

Nayeli Wood, Larkin High School, Elgin (viola - Illinois State University)

Katherine Wynn, Larkin High School, Elgin (piano, composition - Lawrence University)

Anastasiia Zorina, Bartlett High School, Bartlett (drawing, painting, graphics - Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design)

"Major support for our scholarship donations is raised through our popular annual luncheon event," said Loretta Heuer, vice president. "We are pleased to announce that the Fox Valley Beaux Arts fundraiser 'Off the Hanger' will take place this year on Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Elgin Country Club.

In addition to a luncheon, we will feature a Fashion Show by Chico's, vendors, raffles, and a silent auction. The monies raised will fund next year's talented recipients."

For more information about this event, please contact Susan Carroll-Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.

Fox Valley Beaux Arts members consist of a wide range of women who are engaged or support the arts and who reside throughout the Fox Valley area. Members of the club's board of directors include Susan Pepa, president; Loretta Heuer, vice president; Florence Ostdick, secretary; Mary McCarthy, treasurer; Marge Haefliger and Chris Womac, programs; Rose Engle and Barb McGee, scholarships; Cheryl Hallquist and Kathleen Mink, membership; and Loretta Heuer, publicity.

Anyone interested in joining the group should contact the membership chair, Cheryl Hallquist, at cherylhallquist@att.net

For more information about Fox Valley Beaux Arts, contact Susan Pepa at leoandsusan@msn.com.