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Encore Awards

The Student Art Program, a partnership between The ArtsConnection and Wasserstein Perella & Company, developed in 1989 after a Vice President at the latter company suggested the possibility of decorating its new office space with art by public school students, thus both enhancing the work environment and giving something back to the community.

This partnership has grown from a single exhibition of fifteen pieces into an annual program of major educational impact that reaches over 100 students annually. Over the past seven years, W/P has invested over $395,000 in this activity and has reached 766 students in 30 middle, junior and senior high schools throughout the five boroughs. The project is now being replicated by another company, Price Waterhouse.

The Student Art Program is worthy of recognition because it is a true partnership, benefiting both the company and ArtsConnection, the largest arts-in-education organization in New York City. What makes this program unique is that the work is theme-based and professionally framed. All students whose work is selected receive a scholarship for a visual arts class at such institutions as The School of Visual Arts and Fashion Institute of Technology. One student’s work is chosen every year to be used on the corporate holiday card, with that student receiving a $500 US Savings Bond. Each show is exhibited for six months, with all work returned to the students for use in their college portfolios. The company also underwrites a reception each Spring honoring all of the participating students whose lives have been deeply touched by this model program.