Chatham High School Senior Nina Belford Awarded 2026 Rosemary Howlett Art Scholarship

Submitted by Khaya Peluso

The Art League of the Chathams is pleased to announce Nina Belford, a graduating senior at Chatham High School, as the recipient of the 2026 Rosemary Howlett Art Scholarship. The annual $1,000 scholarship recognizes an outstanding student who has demonstrated exceptional artistic achievement and plans to continue their education in the visual arts.

Belford will attend Pratt Munson College of Art and Design this fall, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Throughout high school, Belford has developed a distinctive artistic voice through painting, drawing, collage, charcoal, and pen and ink. Her Advanced Placement Art Sustained Investigation explored themes of war and conflict, examining how history and human experience shape artistic expression. Her portfolio reflects both technical ability and conceptual depth, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between history, memory, and the human condition.

Among the highlights of her portfolio is Watch Tower, a compelling mixed-media work that combines painting and collage to construct a symbolic monument built from the people and events of history. Other pieces explore portraiture, historical narratives, and contemporary social themes, demonstrating both versatility and artistic maturity.

“Art has been the driving force in my life for as long as I can remember,” Belford said. “Throughout high school I developed an absolute passion for the visual arts and intend to pursue a career in the field.”

In her artist statement, Belford explains that she believes art is shaped by humanity’s shared history and experiences. She enjoys creating large-scale paintings and embraces the expressive challenges of charcoal and pen and ink. Looking ahead, she plans to continue strengthening her technical skills in realism while further developing her own artistic voice.

The Rosemary Howlett Art Scholarship is awarded annually by the Art League of the Chathams to a graduating Chatham High School senior who demonstrates artistic excellence, creativity, and a commitment to pursuing higher education in the visual arts. The scholarship honors the legacy of Rosemary Howlett, whose passion for art and dedication to encouraging young artists continue to inspire future generations.

The Art League of the Chathams congratulates Nina Belford on this well-deserved recognitio n and wishes her continued success as she begins the next chapter of her artistic journey.

About the Art League of the Chathams

For more than 35 years, the Art League of the Chathams has supported and promoted the visual arts through exhibitions, educational programs, scholarships, and community outreach. The League provides opportunities for artists of all experience levels to exhibit their work, participate in workshops and demonstrations, and engage with fellow artists and the community. Through programs such as the Rosemary Howlett Art Scholarship, the Art League remains committed to fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists.

For more information about the Art League of the Chathams, visit www.artleagueofthechathams.org.