From toddlers experimenting with finger paints to senior citizens learning to use the potter’s wheel, The Art Center Highland Park brings the arts to life through hundreds of classes, monthly exhibitions, special educational events, and outreach programs every year. The Art Center is proud to partner with area schools, surrounding communities, and other organizations to offer over 100 scholarships per year to local students, adults, and senior citizens, and outreach programs that help extend the benefits and reach of the arts.
Need-based scholarships are granted to those who would not ordinarily be able to afford to participate in art enrichment courses. Students attending courses at TAC who have shown extraordinary talent, workmanship, and citizenship earn merit scholarships.
TAC is a community-based organization whose goal is to ensure access to the arts for all ages and cultural interests
To apply for Summer 2025 Scholarships, please click on the corresponding link and submit your form by June 2, 2025: ENGLISH | ESPAÑOL
Submit completed forms to Director of Education, Mairin Hartt: mhartt@theartcenterhp.org
The Grace Cole Scholarship Fund honors the late Grace Cole, an artist and former teacher of The Art Center Highland Park (TAC) as well as a friend and mentor to the underwriters; Joan and Mike Moriarty. The Grace Cole Scholarship fund will be ongoing.
About Grace Cole Born in Chicago, Cole grew up in Oak Lawn, and after marrying and raising three daughters, she registered for her first art lessons at age 32. Studying the style of the Old Masters, Cole drew in carbon, then moved on to painting in oils. Despite the struggles she encountered she was “stimulated by the creativity, the challenges, and the sheer pleasure of the process.”
A presence in the Chicago art community for over 30 years, Grace possessed the traits of the best artist. Curious, creative, and willing to resist being typecast with a single technique or subject matter. Cole’s works are in collections throughout the world, and a portfolio of her work is available online at gracecole.com
Cole passed away on July 18, 2015, at the age of 72, from Alzheimer’s disease.
Please see the Grace Cole applications here: Need-Based | Merit Based
Please submit completed applications to: mhartt@theartcenterhp.org
The Atsuko Murayama Scholarship Fund honors her lifelong love for avant-garde art and design, her work as an art dealer in New York City, and her passion for contemporary art and its ability to further global understanding. This Scholarship is made possible by the Staff and Board of The Art Center, including Ms. Murayama’s daughter, TAC Board Member, Yumi Ross.
About Atsuko Murayama Born and raised in Tokyo, she received her college degree from Tsuda College in Tokyo, and her master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College. As an art dealer in New York City, she worked with artists such as Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, and Hiroshi Senju, among many others. Ever connected to her Japanese heritage, she was engaged in New York’s community of Japanese artists and strove to raise awareness of her native culture in the United States in addition to bringing major art exhibitions to Japan.
Murayama passed away on April 2, 2024 at the age of 88.
For additional questions or information please call the Main Office at 847.432.1888.
Brittany Freeman Ceramics Scholarship – Brittany Freeman was an avid ceramic student and volunteer classroom monitor for many years. In honor of her memory her parents, Scott and Tamara, have established a ceramics scholarship in her name. Recipients can apply using the scholarship form above or contacting the office.
Brittnay Rose Freeman passed away on June 26, 2004 at the age of 32.
For additional questions or information please call the Main Office at 847.432.1888.
Student Scholarship Fund
Need and merit-based scholarships are available through donations. Need-based scholarships are granted to those who would not ordinarily be able to afford to participate in art enrichment courses. Students attending courses at TAC who have shown extraordinary talent, workmanship, and citizenship earn merit scholarships.
Would you like to support a scholarship at The Art Center?
$5,000 – Underwrite the development and expansion of the scholarship program.
$1,000 – Fund need-based scholarships and art supplies for two (2) students.
$500 – Fund need-based scholarships and art supplies for one (1) student.
$100 – Provide art supplies for four (4) students.
$50 – Provide art supplies for two (2) students.
$25 – Provide art supplies for one (1) Student.