Presidential Scholars in the Arts
Washington, D.C., is a lively and vibrant center for the performing and visual arts. This is reflected by the arts community at GW as students enthusiastically create and pursue artistic achievement themselves. Opportunities abound for GW students who choose to enrich their lives with an education focused on the arts.
Presidential Scholars in the Arts combine a broad theoretical and intellectual exposure to the arts with performance or expression of the art forms. Artistry and creativity in the studio or on the stage are blended with the academic achievement and intellectual rigor for which GW is noted.
The Departments of Fine Arts and Art History, Theatre and Dance and Music award scholarships each year to entering freshmen who have shown promise in aspects of the performing or fine arts. These include ceramics, design, drawing, interior design, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, visual communication, music, theater, technical theater, directing, dance and choreography.
Presidential Scholars in the Arts find enthusiastic support and involvement from GW’s faculty and from the University at large. They are strongly encouraged in their artistic pursuits and practice their crafts in great facilities. Each scholar works one-on-one with a faculty member and is exposed to our nation's most important museums, galleries, stages and arts organizations. Pursuing the arts at GW truly is a unique, engaging and rewarding experience and provides unmatched preparation for an arts career.
Fine arts scholars are required to major in fine arts to receive the scholarship; however, scholars in other fields may select any major.
Applicants must submit their intent for these programs by submitting the Honors, Accelerated, and Special Programs application (for those submitting the GW Application for Admission) or on the Common Application Supplement (for those submitting the Common Application) and participate in the Presidential Arts Audition weekend.
Shaylen Foley
Shaylen Foley is a senior from Toledo, Ohio, double majoring in fine arts and anthropology. "While studying here at GW, I have had the opportunity to participate in a lot of activities that have pushed me to grow not only as an artist, but as an athlete, on campus leader, and academic student. Take advantage of the resources available to you in DC, the museums around the city are constantly bringing in special exhibitions that allow you to explore art outside of the classroom and learn firsthand."
Shaylen is shown here in Florence, Italy, where she studied art last summer.
Calder Stembel
Calder Stembel is a junior from Haverford, Pennsylvania majoring in Dramatic Literature. "Although D.C. might be known for its political activity, I love it for its vibrant arts community. GW is blocks away from the Kennedy Center and just a Metro ride away from the Library of Congress and Folger Shakespeare Theatre. The GW faculty has been very supportive as well: my major is split between the English and Theatre & Dance departments, and both have been wonderful to work with."
Jana Jurukovska
Jana Jurukovska is a junior from Stony Brook, New York. “DC is a fantastic city, with excellent resources and exciting events. It is a beautiful city that nourishes the arts, making them accessible and affordable for everyone. It is wonderful being a student there and having a wide variety of galleries, shows, festivals, and museums to choose from on any given day.” In Fall 2009, Jana will be attending the GW Business Paris Study Abroad program at Science-Po.
Maggie Gomez-Madonia
Maggie Gomez-Madonia is a senior from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, majoring in Theatre and Dance. "I love GW because it surrounds me with a motivated student body and gives me opportunities to work hands on in the field I'm pursuing. GW has made me a well-rounded individual, ready to follow my passion for theatre and dance after college."
Shawn Kelly
Shawn Kelly, a sophomore from Slidell, Louisiana, is designing his
own interdisciplinary major in Arts Administration...combining Music,
Theater, and Business. "I love GW because the opportunities here are
endless. By the end of my Freshman year, I had already held an
internship, witnessed a presidential inauguration, become close with
both students and professors alike, and toured South Africa on a choir
concert tour...to name a few. The connections made in this tight-knit
community of scholars are beneficial as a current student and will
serve me well in my future career."
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