Mel Tess Scholarship

The League of Milwaukee Artists is proud to present the 2025 Mel Tess Scholarship. Mel Tess was a founding member of the League of Milwaukee Artists, as well as a renowned local artist who was involved in the community that he is still giving back to today.    Please see the Mel Tess Biography for more information about this popular Wisconsin Artist. 

Eligibility

The $1000 scholarship will be offered to a 2024-2025 high school senior who is currently involved in the arts and is headed for a future of continuing education in the arts. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in a Southeastern Wisconsin High School and must practice one of the visual arts; ( ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, etc ) 

Requirements 

• Completion of the online application. 
• Submission of 3 original works of art. 
• Submission of at least 1 letter of recommendation. 
• A short essay that adequately conveys the following: student's current goals student's future goals; Any current contributions to the art world; Any community service (completed or planned); Any additional information that would add to the essay (i.e., why he or she got into the arts, what were some of the applicant's first art accomplishments, who were some of the applicant's influences, etc.)  

Time Line

January 31, 2025 - Application submission deadline

April 1, 2025 - The winning applicant will be notified

May 13, 2025 - The award presentation of the scholarship at the League of Milwaukee Artists meeting. The award recipient should make every attempt to attend this event.

A representative from the Tess family will carefully consider all applicants who have met the requirements. 

The League of Milwaukee Artists and the Tess family are committed to the arts in Wisconsin. We are always looking for ways to support the artists in our area, especially the talented young artists who will help shape the future of art in our community, nationally and abroad.   

If you have any questions regarding the Mel Tess Scholarship, please contact Kay Noel at bobkaynoel@aol.com.

The Required Documents are:

• Completion of the online application. 

• Submission of 3 original works of art. 

• Submission of at least 1 letter of recommendation.

• A short essay that adequately conveys the following: Student's current goals; Student's future goals; Any current contributions to the art world; Any community service (completed or planned)