Celebrating Emerging Female Artists of Color
We are proud to once again offer the Melissa Lewis Scholarship Award as part of the 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale. This opportunity uplifts and honors the creative voices of emerging female artists of color in our community.
About the Award
The Melissa Lewis Scholarship was created in memory of Melissa Lewis, whose passion for the arts and community continues to inspire others. Generously funded by her family, this award celebrates Melissa’s legacy by recognizing and supporting emerging artists who are using creative expression as part of their mental health journey.
For 2025, two talented female artists of color will each be awarded a $500 scholarship. Recipients will be selected by an impartial BIPOC judge based on a short essay submission.
Award Details
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Scholarship Amount: Two awards of $500
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Eligibility: Emerging female artists of color participating in the 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale
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Selection: Chosen by an impartial BIPOC judge
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Submission Deadline: Included as part of the Artability submission process
How to Apply
Eligible artists will have the opportunity to apply for the Melissa Lewis Scholarship as part of the 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale Submission & Waiver Form.
As part of the application, artists must answer the following short essay question (500 words or fewer):
How has creating or engaging with art supported your mental health journey, particularly in connection with your cultural identity and lived experience?
When completing your submission form, you will be asked:
“Are you applying for the Melissa Lewis Scholarship?”
Select “Yes – I am a female artist of color applying for the Melissa Lewis Scholarship” to be considered.
You do not need to send a separate email or application — simply answer the essay question when submitting your artwork through the official 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale Submission & Waiver Form.
Please note: Only artists submitting work to the 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale are eligible for the scholarship.
Questions?
We’re happy to help!
If you have any questions about the Melissa Lewis Scholarship Award or the Artability submission process, please reach out to us at artability@peopleincorporated.org.
This is a meaningful opportunity to receive recognition and financial support for your creative work. We look forward to seeing your submissions and celebrating your art!