“Khrys,” 2008, painting by Maria Cortes, winner of the 2009 Edith Baker Scholarship

The Dallas Art Dealers Association announces the 2009 winner of its fourth annual Edith Baker Art Scholarship and Artist Career Development Fund.  The young Dallas artist, Maria Cortes will receive her $3500 award June 1 at an awards ceremony at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

In early 2009, DADA’s scholarship committee (Edith Baker, Kevin Vogel of Valley House, Sue Flynn of Norwood Flynn, Kenneth Craighead of Craighead Green, Marcie Inman of Irving Arts Center, David Newman of Brookhaven Community College, and Lisa Taylor, Executive Director of DADA), reviewed materials submitted by 31 senior applicants, narrowing it to seven finalists, and later choosing a winner.

Besides the cash award, Ms. Cortes had an exhibition at DADA’s Spring Gallery Walk show on April 18 at Norwood Flynn Gallery, an opportunity to choose a mentor-for-a-day, and to pursue a summer internship with a DADA member.

Artist Career Development Fund

To celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2005, the Association created the Edith Baker Art Scholarship and Artist Career Development Fund, which annually benefits a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Along with a financial award, the student’s work is highlighted in an exhibition at a member gallery with the rest of the class’s work in May. The student also participates in a mentor for a day program and summer internship. Winners to date have included Maria Cortes, Pepper Ellett, Gustavo Galvan and Everett Brown.