Honoring Artistic Independence: The 2023 Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Scholarship at the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Graduation Ceremonies
The prestigious Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Scholarship marked its third year of supporting the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day Program by awarding its annual prize to Tyrique Cassiy Martin, a graduating senior of the celebrated school.
The board’s president, Susan Patricelli Regan and daughter of the foundation's namesake, reflected on the entrants this year and why Tyrique’s work stood out. “All of the entrants for the Sylvia Davis Fine Arts Scholarship revealed a depth of maturity in verbal commentary regarding the purpose of their submitted artwork. However, it was Tyrique whose pieces most accurately reflected a candid expression of his spoken word. Memorable artwork is identified by a message that is understood by a majority of viewers.”
The graduation ceremonies, held at CREC’s Performing Arts Auditorium, included captivating student performances, artistic presentations, and remarks by both faculty and students.
Christopher Regan, a board member of the foundation and grandson of Sylvia Patricelli presented the award to Tyrique following a heartfelt introduction by Susan.
In his address, Christopher recollected his grandmother's profound understanding of the power of color in art. “She knew how powerful color was, and she guarded it like a parent guard's matches."
Reflecting on Sylvia’s realism, both in her representation of the world and her interactions with it, Christopher emphasized her refusal to tolerate ignorance and avoidance of reality. He remarked, "She did not suffer fools gladly, and did not suffer the patience required to absolve those who could not confront their own reality."
Concluding his speech, Christopher passionately encouraged the scholarship recipients and all aspiring artists in attendance. He emphasized the significance of artistic independence, urging them not to create art solely to please others. "Don't take this award as an indication that you should produce work to please people like us." He continued, "Challenge us! And challenge each other. The only good work that a scholarship like ours can do is to free you from any obligation to someone else’s eye."
The 2023 Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Scholarship award represents a remarkable milestone for the foundation and its relationship with the CREC program, and the foundation is looking forward to continuing its scholarship in the years to come and building on the impact and support that it has provided to CREC students.
Inspired by Sylvia Davis Patricelli's artistic legacy, the foundation empowers young artists to embrace their individuality, break free from external expectations, and create work that speaks to their own artistic voices.
