°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê and contemporary American painter, sculptor and author Eric Fischl are shaping the future of art in Arizona – and beyond – by providing life-changing opportunities for students, and supporting the next generation of great American artists.
Paying it Forward
In 2005, Fischl returned to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê to give back to his alma mater and to help aspiring artists. Fischl honors the college’s influence on his life by returning annually with world-famous artists and art enthusiasts to present the Eric Fischl Series – hosted at the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê campus and the Phoenix Art Museum.
Fischl says he feels a sense of obligation to facilitate conversations on the arts and to give back to the place where he first felt he could be an artist. Fischl is helping °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê become a center for the arts in Phoenix.
A painting teacher at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê, Merrill Mahaffey, saw something in Fischl and pushed him to believe in himself. Fischl says it seemed natural to return to the college and give back.
“°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê afforded me an opportunity to find myself and my voice as an artist."
- Eric Fischl
Life-Changing Student Experience
As part of the annual Fischl Series, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê art students participate in portfolio critiques with Eric Fischl and the guest artist. This one-on-one analysis provides students with critical guidance and support as they develop their artistic technique.
The Fischl Scholarship – the first of its kind at a community college – provides vital financial support, allowing students to concentrate on their education. The program aims to increase the number of students pursuing an Associate of Fine Arts Degree at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê – in preparation for university transfer.
The Fischl Scholar Program is a competitive scholarship program, which includes mentorship with °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê art faculty and college counselors designated to help ensure student success. The Program pays for tuition and art supplies for the scholars while pursuing their fine arts degree at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê.
Shaping the Future of Art
The Eric Fischl Program is having an impact not only on students’ lives, but also on the quality of art education being offered at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê, and on the art community…by shaping the future of art in Phoenix…and beyond.
To learn more about the Fischl Program, please call 602-285-7667, or email deborah.spotts@phoenixcollege.edu.