Walter Withers Tranquil Winter (1895)
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What is the John Withers Scholarship Program?
In 2022 John Withers and the Withers family proposed a perpetual donation to the Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia (PSVA) with the vision of providing support to emerging artists. This vision has become a reality and it is with great pride that we offer 4 (four) Emerging Artists an opportunity to indulge in the beautiful Pastel medium with support.
The commitment to Participants – what the Scholarship Provides
- 16 hours of tuition in a two-day workshop environment
- One year of PSVA Membership
- Free entry to monthly PSVA meetings & demonstrations for one year
- A selection of Art materials (pastels and paper/s)
- A published resource on Composition (or a related topic)
- Ongoing Mentorship from experienced pastel artists for one year
- Entry into the PSVA Annual Exhibition in the year the Scholarship is awarded
- Eligibility for a dedicated John Withers Scholarship Prize
- Financial assistance toward framing work
- Access to one half-price Workshop within 18 months of the Scholarship being awarded • (Note: travel, accomodation & meals are not included)
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The commitment from Participants includes
- Attend the two-day Workshop Unlocking the Mysteries of Pastel on 8 & 9 August 2026
- Maintain a two-year membership to the PSVA, following the John Withers Scholarship Program
- Submit at least one painting into the PSVA Annual Exhibition in October/November 2026
- Actively engage with the appointed Mentor in a meaningful and professional manner
- Attend the Opening Ceremony of the PSVA Annual Exhibition in October/November 2026
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Attend the Certificate Presentation Ceremony at the AGM in 2027
- Maintain a working email address
- A Social Media presence is encouraged but not essential
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John Withers Emerging Artist Scholarship Recipients
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2025
Anne Abley, Ancita Beale, Paddy Kelath and Claire Morris
The 2025 Winner of the John Withers Scholarship Award
Paddy Kelath Rivers Song
2024
Rosslyn Chiarotto, Sonya Bading, Becca Wilkins, Fiona Fullarton
The 2024 Winner of the John Withers Scholarship Award
Sonya Bading Three Amigos, Preston Market
2023
Marion Strong, Mark Pearce, Kerry Nicholls, Helen Corney
The 2023 Winner of the John Withers Scholarship Award
Mark Pearce Through the Fence
Submissions are Now Open for the 2026-2077 Scholarship Program
Eligibility
Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
Application Requirements
To apply, please submit:
- An artist biography (maximum 300 words)
- A 300-word statement outlining how this program will benefit your artistic journey
- Your telephone number
- Any social media accounts related to your art practice
How to Apply
Please email your application to the JWSP Coordinator, Ros Chiarotto, at jwsp@vicpastel.com.au
About the Program
This is the fifth year of the scholarship program, designed to support and develop emerging pastel artists.
For all enquiries and expressions of interest, please contact Ros Chiarotto at jwsp@vicpastel.com.au. Please include your telephone number in your correspondence.
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Walter Withers The Drover (1912)
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Further Information
This Scholarship is open to Emerging Artists
‘Emerging Artist’ is defined as an artist who has minimal experience with the Pastel medium and has not been successful in winning major prizes at exhibitions (excluding those held in an educational institution).
The Scholarship Program will run each year and is supported and facilitated by the Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia. Four positions will be available.
This Scholarship offers
- Two full days of tutition
- Hands on learning
- One year Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia (PSVA) membership
- Art materials
- PSVA Exhibition entry
- Assistance to frame paintings
- One Half price PSVA Workshop
- Mentor support
Am I eligible to apply?
This Scholarship is open to Emerging Artists. Two positions will be filled by artists who hold a current membership with the PSVA and two positions will be filled from outside of the PSVA.
Walter Withers Midsummer (1895)
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Resources
John Withers Emerging Artist Scholarship | Flyer | Coming Soon
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Unlocking the Mysteries of Pastel Workshop 2025
We invite emerging pastel artists to participate in this workshop along with John Withers Scholarship Program participants.
Painting alongside our tutors, you learn about history of pastels, colour theory, types of pastels, pastel surfaces, underpainting and more from our Signature PSVA Tutors. Four (4) participants of the John Withers Scholarship Program attended this workshop.
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2-Day Pastel Workshop
2 & 3 August 2025
with tutors Lyn Mellady & Linda Finch
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