In 2026, WSI is proud to award $1,000 scholarships to four Indiana high school seniors who will be pursuing art related higher education. WSI recognizes these creative recipients, and you can learn about them and find examples of their artwork below. |
James C. Lentz Memorial Art ScholarshipThe WSI awards the James C. Lentz Memorial Art Scholarship annually to an Indiana high school senior pursuing a degree in the visual arts. As part of our nonprofit outreach each year, we enlist WSI volunteers by forming a scholarship committee to evaluate the scholarship applications and select a recipient in Jim's memory. Jim Lentz was a founding member of WSI, a talented artist and enthusiastic educator who taught art at Arlington High School for more than two decades. The Lentz Scholarship honors his legacy of engaging young people to pursue their artistic goals. It enables them to build skills, expand their creativity and develop their message in order to connect with and inspire their audience. The video below reveals more about Jim and his lasting impact. |
2026 Lentz Scholarship & WSI Art Scholarship RecipientsWSI is pleased to award four $1,000 scholarships to Indiana High School graduatesNico Suriano is the recipient of the James C. Lentz Memorial Scholarship and Carlee Mueller, Brisa Ramirez and Kayley Williams are each awarded the WSI Art Scholarships. These young artists look forward to continuing their artistic journey and the scholarships will help reduce their financial burden. Congratulations to each of them. Check out examples of their work below. James C. Lentz Scholarship Recipient for 2026Nico Suriano, Hamilton Southeastern High School, FishersNico will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in 3D Digital Design. Congratulations Nico! Examples of Nico Suriano's Artwork |
Oil on Wood
Oil on Wood |
Oil on Canvas |
Watercolor |
A portion of Nico's Artist Statement: "I am seeking this scholarship to support my growth as an artist during this pivotal transition from high school to college. Recognition from the Watercolor Society of Indiana would not only help alleviate financial pressures for myself and my family but also affirm the value of my artistic voice and dedication to my craft. This support would allow me to continue developing both my technical skills and conceptual depth as I work toward a future in the arts."
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WSI Art Scholarship Recipient for 2026Carlee Mueller, Bloomington North High School, BloomingtonCarlee will be furthering her art education at Indiana University majoring in Studio Art. Congratulations Carlee! Examples of Carlee Mueller's Artwork
Watercolor, Stamps, Photographs of me, Thread, Paint pens, Colored pencils |
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Alcohol markers, Liner pens, Paint pens |
Alcohol markers, Liner pens, Transfer paper, Foam |
Alcohol markers, Colored pencils, Paint pens |
A portion of Carlee Mueller's Artist Statement:
"When I say art is my life, I quite literally mean it. My passion for art is ingrained in my soul and has always been there for me, even when it can be quite frustrating. Art makes me feel like I have a story worth telling and then provides me with creative and unique ways to tell it. Making art has truly helped me through the roughest times in my life and I strive to create art that offers a helping hand and listening ear to others struggling." |
WSI Art Scholarship Recipient for 2026Brisa Ramirez, Heritage Hills High School, Lincoln CityBrisa will be furthering her art education at the University of Southern Indiana majoring in Graphic Design and Advertising. Congratulations Brisa! Examples of Brisa Ramirez's Artwork |
"My High School Journey" - Oil and Acrylic
"Where Music Blooms" - Oil and Acrylic |
"Nostalgia" - Prismacolor |
"Summer, 2024" - Acrylic |
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A portion of Brisa Ramirez's Artist Statement: "My creative process comes from the influences in my life, such as experiences, people, memories, and nostalgia. I’m highly inspired by artists such as Camila Salinas and Pqhaus, who are known for their symbolism within their work. They have helped me understand expression through storytelling with visual elements." |
WSI Art Scholarship Recipient for 2026
Kayley Williams, Munster High School, Munster
Kayley will be attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to pursue a degree in Studio Art.
Congratulations Kayley!
Examples of Kayley Williams' Artwork
"Help from Another Hemisphere" Watercolor, Colored pencil, Acrylic |
"Which Way is Up?" - Mixed Media Can be hung in any direction
"Dreamland: Combing Through the Clutter" - Mixed Media |
"Nightmare" - Charcoal, Acrylic |
A portion of Kayley Williams' Artist Statement:
"There is beauty in confusion.
The more I explore my style of painting, the more I’m drawn to create art that could be interpreted in many ways. My goal is to make art that feels accessible—that is easy to engage with, no matter a person’s background. I’m intrigued by the idea that someone could find meaning in my paintings that is different from anything I might have imagined yet rings inherently true."