The Women’s Art Association of Hamilton was incorporated on April 19, 1946. It was the brainchild of President Juanita Le Barre Symington. This was important as it allowed the organization to own property, control its finances, and still be affiliated with the mother association in Toronto and associations in Owen Sound, Peterborough, and Stratford.
After the members of the WAAH had raised money for the new gallery on Forsyth Street and given a number of paintings to the Art Gallery, it was decided to begin a scholarship program. The capital was given by patrons: Mrs. S.H. Alexander, Lady McLaren Brown, Miss Edythe Burroughs, Honorary President Mrs. Newton D. Galbreaith, Honorary Patron Mrs. Ray Lawson, (wife of the Lieutenant Governor), Charlotte Tutty Le Barre, Mrs. James Roberts and charter members: Nina Alexander, Margaret Elizabeth Galbreaith, Ivy Mukiel Hannaford, Florence Wilson Jones, Agnes Grosvenor Mackie, Amy Elsie Putnam, and Juanita LeBarre Symington
It was decided to give a tuition scholarship to the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1947. Since then, scholarships have been given to McMaster University with three awards; The Viola Depew Award to Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School, the Kiwanis Music Festival formally the Royal College of Music Hamilton, Dundas Valley School of Art, and Redeemer University. Since the Kawanis Music Festival folded the scholarship goes to the Redeemer University for music.
In the past, members raised the capital with bridge games. At one time they had 114 tables at the Connaught Hotel. Every table received a prize. It was a gala evening until the costs defeated the idea. Life member Margaret Henderson then organized the bridge marathon played in member's homes. At one time the WAAH had 40 couples and a small fee was charged which would go towards the scholarship fund. The WAAH also had day trips, week long trips, lunches, teas, draws for gifts, and galas. Unfortunately the afternoon ladies bridge and long trips are no more and the evening bridge has sadly depleted after nearly fifty years.
However, the WAAH holds annual events to raise money for the scholarship fund. On June 13, 2010 the WAAH held an International Fashion Show Gala at the Grand Olympia on 660 Barton St in Stoney Creek. The countries represented were Africa, China, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Ireland and Morocco.
The WAAH has never received grants or corporate donations. The WAAH always welcomes donations to the Scholarship Fund and since the WAAH is a registered charity, tax receipts will be given for every donation. This is part of our mandate. These awards only are given to students who dream of teaching art or making it a vocation as did Bruno Capolongo. The WAAH encouraged their members and community members to support the scholarships and join the Hamilton Art Gallery.
OCAD University
Congratulations to Alli Melanson, Year 3 Drawing & Painting, who won the WAAH Scholarship for 2011. This past year Alli "had the great opportunity to study in Florence, Italy, which was a life altering experience". She will be returning to OCAD University for a final year.
McMaster University
Angela Cappelletti - Level 2 Honours Art Program
Emily Benedict - Level 3 Honours Art & Art History Program
Angela Marino - Juanita LeBarre Symington Scholarship
Redeemer University College
We are delighted to report that Catherine Hordyk and Megan Alkema were awarded our scholarships for the second consecutive year. Catherine is a fourth-year student enrolled in a double major in Art and Performance Theatre and was awarded the Department of Art Scholarship. Megan, who is enrolled in the Education program and has a Music major and a French minor, was awarded the Department of Music Scholarship.
Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School
The Awards Ceremony on June 29, 2011 was attended by Marjolaine Richardson and Margaret Winton. Marjolaine presented our Viola Depew Award to Joshua Wald, an outstanding young man who won 5 other awards, and the provincial Marion Drysdale Award for Art. Joshua will be attending Sheridan College's Animation Program next year.
Upcoming Scholarship Fundraiser
Splash of the Tropics - Scholarship Fundraiser
Renaissance Centre - 2289 Barton Street East, Hamilton Ontario L8E 2W8
Sunday March 25 2012 from 3 pm-7pm / Buffet 4:30pm
SCHOLARSHIP BOARD:
Marjolaine Richardson 905 679-4289
Margaret Winton 905 529-4841 margwinton@gmail.com