2026 WSNC Art Teacher Scholarship

Michael Solovyev 3-Day Watercolor Workshop
October 5 to October 7 | Burke Arts Council

Apply Today!

Application deadline

September 7, 2026

One of the primary purposes of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina is to promote excellence in watermedia through exhibitions, awards, and workshops. WSNC has established the teacher scholarship to give art teachers, with little or no experience in watermedia, the opportunity to participate in the annual WSNC Watercolor Workshop, immediately following the annual meeting.

This year, the WSNC is excited to have Michael Solovyev instructing the 2026 Annual Watercolor Workshop.

Michael Solovyev is often called a “sunny watercolorist”—his airy, transparent artworks look as though they emit sunlight. His traditional academic art education, extensive experience as a head theater stage designer, and career as an oil painter now inform his priority as a watercolor artist: light. Born in Russia in 1972, Michael Solovyev has lived in Montréal, Canada since 2011. He has participated in 16 personal exhibitions and more than 70 group exhibitions in various countries, including Bolivia, France, and Australia. He is a signature member of four prestigious art societies: the National Watercolor Society (NWS), the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA), the North East Watercolor Society (NEWS), and the International Watercolor Society (IWS). 

Scope

  • WSNC will provide funds to cover the cost of registration and the substitute teacher for the duration of the workshop. The substitute funds will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient’s school or designated central office personnel.

  • The scholarship recipient will receive a package of watercolor materials needed for the workshop compliments of WSNC.  The cost of travel and meals is not included in the scholarship.

    (Please note that if the scholarship recipient should leave the school system indicated on the application, the grant will default to the scholarship applicant receiving the second highest ranking by the committee of WSNC members who reviewed the applications.)

  • Each applicant must be a middle or high school art teacher working in one of the Burke County Public Schools. 

  • A completed application must be received by the September 7, 2026, deadline.

  • A committee of WSNC members  approved by the WSNC Board will review and choose the winner from eligible applications.

  • Applicants will be notified of WSNC’s decision by Friday, September 18, 2026.

Eligibility

Recipient Responsibilities

  • After the workshop, the winner must submit a one-page statement describing his/her experience in the workshop and the impact it might have on his/her own artistic enrichment and that of his/her students.

  • Before the end of the school year, evidence that goals were met through this scholarship would be appreciated.

  • Winners are encouraged to submit photos of students’ works so they may be shared on the WSNC website and in the newsletter.  Photo releases are the responsibility of the art teacher.