Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Artists’ School archives
Scottsdale Artists’ School (SAS) is partnering with renowned artist Daniel J. Keys to host Palette Project, a FREE two-day mentorship program taking place Friday, February 1st through Sunday, February 3rd. This unique weekend workshop is designed specifically for young adults, ages 17 to 22, who aspire to cultivate their talent and skills into a future art career.
Students were hand-selected by Scottsdale Artists’ School and Keys based on their skills, passion and experience as reflected in an original one-page essay and 1-2 images of their work that were required for scholarship consideration.
Twenty-one students were chosen overall. Five are local from Scottsdale, Tempe and Prescott and Sixteen from out-of-state. Those coming from out-of-state will traveling to Scottsdale from California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas and as far as Indiana and Arkansas.
“We take the responsibility of raising tomorrow’s artistic leaders seriously, and doing our part to invest in their creative capacity. I am so excited this will be our seventh year mentoring this talented group of emerging artists,” says Keys.
Keys is no stranger to the tough world of art and the path of a young person just starting out. He started painting at the age of eleven using a paint set purchased with birthday money. In 2005, when he was still a teenager, he boldly walked into a gallery near his home in Fresno, CA, and asked the owner if she would represent him. The owner surveyed Keys’ work and then replied with an undeniable “no!”
Thirteen years later, Keys has won numerous awards and his work is highly sought after by distinguished collectors and hangs in many prominent collections throughout North America, Europe and Russia. In addition to his art, he also teaches workshops that often draw students from around the world who seek out his esteemed instruction.
Through his experience, the encouragement and training from highly acclaimed artists, such as Richard Schmid and the impression left on him from his first gallery encounter, he has developed a passion for instructing and shaping young artists who are serious about their desire to become an artist.
“The partnership we have with Daniel is very special,” says Trudy Hays, SAS Executive Director. “We are grateful to him for developing this mentorship program and for offering us the opportunity to host it. By giving these young artists the opportunity to get involved and learn from skilled professionals, we are making a way for the ‘torch’ of knowledge to be passed on to the next generation.”
For the students who have been selected to participate in Palette Project, everything except travel and spending money is covered. Keys donates his time and instruction while SAS provides lodging at a local hotel and all meals during the workshop.
For more information on Scottsdale Artists’ School and Palette Project call the school Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit www.scottsdaleartschool.org.
