Arts Advocates has awarded $40,000 in scholarships to eight exceptional students from Sarasota and Manatee counties for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship to support their continued education in artistic disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, theater, writing, and architecture.
The annual scholarship program, funded entirely through donations and Arts Advocates activities, honors talented students pursuing creative careers and academic excellence in the arts.
Meet the 2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Maria Medina Almaguer is a three-time scholarship recipient and piano major at Berklee College of Music. In addition to earning scholarships from the Latin Grammy Foundation and Berklee World Tour, Maria is studying contemporary writing and production with a minor in film and media scoring.
Emmalee Bunnell, now in her second year as a scholarship recipient, studies dance at Marymount Manhattan College. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she travels on weekends as a pro apprentice with Platinum National Dance Company and participates in a prison outreach program, using movement as a tool for healing and transformation.
Vivianna Coppa, a first-time recipient, is a sophomore musical theatre major at Jacksonville University. She recently performed a lead role in a student production and contributed to scenic and costume design. Her long-term goal is to integrate directing and production with performance.
Lillian Fox, a four-time awardee, studies studio arts with a painting concentration at the University of South Florida. This year, she curated a gallery exhibition and co-founded Foxxy Fine Art, a mural business with her mother. Their colorful work can be seen in local schools, businesses, and homes.
Harrison May, a Venice High School graduate and first-time recipient, will pursue a degree in tuba performance. He has led the tuba section of his school’s marching band and plays principal tuba in the Sarasota Youth Philharmonic, where he also mentors younger musicians.
Noelle Prouty, a third-time scholarship recipient, double majors in art and biology at the University of Florida, with a minor in entomology. She worked at the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History and aims to become a scientific illustrator, highlighting the beauty and fragility of nature.
Samantha Tanelli, also in her third year as a recipient, attends Ringling College of Art and Design. Her artwork has been featured in the college gallery, and she volunteers with Embracing Our Differences. She hopes to one day illustrate children’s books and open an inclusive art studio for kids.
Danae Tran, another third-time recipient, is a violin performance major at Stetson University. She serves as concertmaster for multiple orchestras and leads the acclaimed Barron Quartet. Danae will perform at Carnegie Hall as part of a prestigious winners’ concert and plans to pursue a master’s degree in violin performance.
Honoring Talent and Dedication
“Arts Advocates members are honored to support these driven and talented students,” said Deb Altshul-Stark, co-chair of the Arts Advocates scholarship committee, alongside Tonya Eubank. “We’re continually inspired by their dedication, creativity, and promise. Watching their journeys unfold is incredibly rewarding.”
To learn more about Arts Advocates or to support their scholarship initiatives, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
About Arts Advocates
Founded in 1969 as The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota, Arts Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving Florida’s artistic legacy, supporting arts education, and promoting cultural awareness. Through exhibitions, programming, and scholarships, the organization nurtures the next generation of creative talent.
Photo from Arts Advocates
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