The College for Creative Studies in Detroit has awarded Mesa Community College art student Scott Everett an $80,000 scholarship based on his life-like charcoal drawings inspired by family, friends and life experiences.

MCC art instructor Gingher Leyendecker said Everett’s talent was apparent when he first arrived at MCC. Leyendecker has watched Everett mature and find his voice by taking several art courses that allowed him to explore his interests.

“The strength of his work is based on the autobiographical aspect of his artwork,’ Leyendecker said. “We’re proud of him and pleased he won this scholarship.”

Everett said the announcement of a scholarship was a little surprising. He previously lived in the Detroit area as a child and looks forward to returning to the area to continue his education.

“This will definitely help me with the next chapter of my life,” said Everett, who hopes to one day be able to support himself and a family with his art.

Everett’s influences include Italian artist Caravaggio and Arizona artist Eugene Grigsby. He said he chose to attend MCC because of the large variety of art classes offered at the college. Everett found Leyendecker’s life drawing class particularly helpful.

“She helped me get my form and structure down and that made my drawings more realistic,’ Everett said.

Everett said he uses art to express his emotions and share his family and culture with others. His advice to other aspiring artists is to pursue his or her unique interest, whatever it may be.

“If you love art, just do it,” Everett said. “I thought about studying other things, but art is my passion.”

This alumni profile first appeared in the Summer 2008 edition of Alumni & Friends, a publication for the Mesa Community College Alumni Association. http://mesacc.edu/sites/default/files/pages/section/about-mcc/institutional-advancement/communications/Summer08.pdf