I saw it and took it.
The message was from my school's Art's Teacher, Mrs. Wye. I called her back and soon the we shared info and the process has begun. We meet at again that Saturday, along with Farrad Williams whom is a nominee, to have a small interview and information exchange with Chandri Barat, the head of the Barat Foundation.
After that interview things were looking great in our favor with only one other problem in the way: the cost.
overall the program and air-fare costs was overwhelming at first, however there was hope.
An "urban artist" had a scholarship to pay for this very program. That artist was Willie Cole, whose art is in Newark Museum today, He came in and had intensive interviews with each of the nominees.
A few days later, we received an email saying that no only did we all get the scholarship but it is also granting us the full cost of the program.
Everyone including family and SBP staff members we're excited and eager.
However, there was still the problem of paying for the air-fair. Luckily, thanks to the help of Paul Thornton, he reached out to alumni. In the end, Mr. Thornton was able to get each benedict's student a donor, fully covering the cost.
While figuring out the financial issues, we were running around getting passports, filling out paper work and focusing on finishing our spring phase projects.
Our plates were beyond full!
But as school comes to a close, we were got everything in and on time through dedication, hard work and help from others.
Lastly, all the recipients of the Willie Cole Scholarship were invited to Barat's foundation gallery in One Gateway to receive their certificates, signed by Willie himself, and meet with the families.
The recipients (3 from Benedict's 2 from Arts High)
From Left to right: Alethna Barat, Chandri Barat, Willie Cole, Dakota Gibbs and Alvarita Forde(Mother)
Having the certificate in hand, was when I knew that this is a reality.
FRANCE! Get ready because Dakota's coming!
Check out more on the Barat Foundation Here!
