Selection Process

2013 Uphoff Awardee Ian Jelliffe with Linda and Nancy Uphoff and Linda Sullivan.

The Uphoff Scholarships are embedded in the selection process of the Silver and Gold Key Scholastic Competition program. The Jury panel consist of 18-20 arts professionals, ranging from the Corcoran College of Art and Design to the Northern VA Community College, and rotates on an annual basis. This panel selects the top ranking portfolios from all seniors across Fairfax County public, private, and home schooled submissions. The Arts Council of Fairfax County juries the top candidates based on this pre-selection.

The Howard Uphoff Art Scholarship is distributed by the Arts Council of Fairfax County at the bequest of the Howard Uphoff estate. The Uphoff Student Art Fund awards a total of $3,000 to three seniors graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and intend to continue their studies of the visual arts in college.

The Howard Uphoff Scholarship is awarded to Fairfax County Public School participants in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a nationwide program that recognizes creative teenagers with scholarship opportunities. The Arts Council awards the Howard Uphoff Art Scholarship to graduating seniors who are recognized at the County level of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program for their achievement in the visual arts.

The Arts Council has expanded the Uphoff Scholarships to include funding for students participating in all of the arts disciplines.  By forming new partnerships with scholarship programs run by local arts organizations, the Uphoff Scholarships are able to benefit more students in Fairfax County as they pursue advanced arts studies. 

Mission

Howard Uphoff established this scholarship fund to assist high school students in the fulfillment of their dream for artistic training. Recipients must intend to continue their studies of the arts in college.

About Howard Uphoff

Born in 1909, Howard wanted to study art when he graduated from high school but could not afford the tuition. At the age of 59, Howard revisited his dream to become an artist. Taking day and evening classes, he became a prolific artist in the Washington D.C. area, mounting many successful one-man shows and exhibitions and winning local recognition. Howard Uphoff established this scholarship fund to assist high school students pursue their dream for artistic training.

Click here to see recipients.