Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Friends of the Visual Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University have selected Plano junior Jacqueline Morales as this year's recipient of the Gary Q. Frields Art Scholarship.
To be eligible for the Frields award, students must "demonstrate an exemplary work ethic, show versatility in the use of media and techniques in two or more areas, and show innovation and quality in their work," according to the criteria established by Frields.
"I hope this scholarship allows students not to just become more informed but transformed into authentically original, creative, open-minded, charitable individuals who will give back to the community and inspire others in our field of study," Frields said in 2013 when the scholarship was established.
Shaun Roberts, assistant professor of painting at SFA, nominated Morales for the award.
"Jacqueline has been my student for several semesters now, and she consistently shows characteristics that I feel qualifies her to be worthy of the Gary Q. Frields Scholarship," Roberts wrote in his nomination letter.
"Jacqueline shows a wide range of understanding of the principles of art and isn't afraid to experiment in multiple mediums, whether it be painting or digital," he continued. "She understands that making quality artwork requires diligence and hard work. I often see her in the studios working outside of class time, which is a rarity among most students these days."
Roberts described Morales as "intelligent, well-liked and respected by her peers, and an example for our students to emulate." She is also involved in the SFA Art Alliance, the School of Art's student organization.
The FVA has established scholarships in the name of retiring SFA art professors who were employed in the School of Art for minimum of 10 years before retirement and who contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Friends of the Visual Arts board and its fundraising activities, such as consistently donating art for fundraisers, by providing monetary assistance, or by serving on FVA committees or board.
Known among his peers as a great advocate for SFA's art students, Frields taught courses in design, drawing and sculpture and served as graduate program coordinator for the School of Art before his retirement in 2012. He was a recipient of the SFA Fine Arts Teaching Excellence Award and was appointed to the board of directors for the Texas Association of Schools of Art. Frields' involvement in national juried exhibitions helped in establishing the SFA Texas National, originating the concept, name and designing the logo. The event brings to Nacogdoches some of the most celebrated contemporary artists as jurors. He originated the Art Prom and was a founding member of The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, creating the logo and contributing to concept planning.
The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts is made up of community members who support the arts in East Texas and provide monetary assistance to students enrolling in the School of Art by conducting fundraisers, such as the upcoming annual 12X12 event in July.