Winner of 2022 Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship: Alexander Yunda-Raijer

The Glenview Art League proudly awards the 2022 Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship to Alexander Yunda-Raijer, a graduating senior at Glenbrook South High School. Alex submitted an impressive portfolio of photography, as well as an essay, letters of recommendation, and his acceptance letter from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

Alex shares, “What inspires me to create is the power art has to share stories and connect people. For my AP Art project, I chose to explore my experience with sexuality through a series of photo memoirs…Through the photos I was able to explore societal norms mixed with my personal experiences from childhood as well as view how LGBTQ+ history is manifesting in my life now.”

In his high school career, his work was regularly featured in Stitched, the school’s fashion publication, and Calliope, the arts and literary magazine. He was a photographer for the yearbook, Etruscan. He served as Vice President of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). In the summer of 2022 he took a two-week summer course on fashion, film, and photography over Zoom with The School of The New York Times.

GBS Photography and AP Art Instructor Amie Elliott describes Alex’s extensive skills with both digital and film-based photography, “Alex is a student who relishes the craft involved in the process of image-making.” She describes Alex as one of the top three students she has worked with in her career, and offers her highest recommendation.

According to GBS guidance counselor Karen Klebba, “Alex is a gifted artist, determined student, and all-around likeable, solid individual. He will undoubtedly thrive and quickly immerse himself in campus life no matter where he lands next year.”

Looking ahead, Alex states, “In my future endeavors, I hope to continue to connect with people through my photography and create a world that is more beautiful and loving because of it.”

The scholarship committee and members of the GAL Board are impressed by the high quality of his work, and support his intention to pursue art in the future. His efforts and the integrity he expresses in his artwork have shown him to be a worthy recipient. The Robert Sherman Fine Art Scholarship was established to foster the study of art and advance the development of artists in keeping with the mission of the Glenview Art League. It is for a high school senior planning to pursue a college degree in a visual art. It is a one-time scholarship of  $1,000, given directly to the student to use at their discretion towards the cost of college. Alex is invited to show his work at the 2022 Summer Art Fair on July 30-31.

 

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