Expression Matters

“Before a child talks, they sing.  Before they write, they draw.  As soon as they stand, they dance.  Art is fundamental to human expression.”  —  Phylicia Rashad 

Welcome to the Artis the Artist Foundation

Artis-the-Artist Celebrating 12 Years (1080 x 675 px) (1)

The Artis the Artist foundation is celebrating 12 years of empowering college bound artists to continue their passion for the arts through higher education, elevated techniques, and personal development.

Our goal for 2024 is to award five $5,000 scholarships to deserving students. Help our music nonprofit continue to serve more communities today!

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Upcoming events & Announcements

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Check out the exciting updates on the impact our Foundation is having on the community. Be sure to subscribe to receive upcoming issues directly in your inbox!
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Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities

Learn more about the dates and details for the next round of scholarships we will be awarding to high school students studying The Arts.
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Get Involved

Interested in working with our community programs, volunteering at our events, or being a part of our scholarship award process?
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Success Stories

Hover over each ATA scholarship recipient’s photo to read their story! 

Myles Sturns Thomas

Performing Artist

Myles Sturns Thomas

Myles is already on the move! In addition to an ATA scholarship, he was also awarded a full ride to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a 6-week program for performing artists. He is playing Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in the musical production “Ragtime.”. He says, "After I graduate from high school, I will remain just as devoted to the arts as I am now. I am continuing to strengthen the training I received in high school to become the well-rounded performer I need to be to perform on national tours and on Broadway in the future.” Myles will be attending Oklahoma University in the fall. Listen to Myles on the Artis the Artist Foundation’s Facebook page.

Maria Shorunke

Performing Artist

Maria Shorunke

Maria is a powerful singer and dancer. She will be attending Texas Christian University in the fall. "Finding theatre put things in perspective for me and made me figure out my passion and purpose early on in my life. ...I always felt that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Musical theatre has helped me in my never-ending journey to becoming and staying my truest self. It's been my outlet of creativity and expression and has gotten me through some of the hardest times I've been faced with in my life. " Listen to Maria's artistry on the Artis the Artist Foundation’s Facebook page.

Kayla Barnes

Vistual Artist

Kayla Barnes

After receiving an ATA scholarship in 2022 and starting out in community college, Barnes, a visual artist, transferred to Sam Houston State University to major in animation. Making this transition in the heart of the pandemic was challenging, but she has been able to adapt, grow and thrive in her artistry in the midst of it all. Barnes says, “Alas, improvements are not something that happens overnight, and I am slowly learning to accept that.” Artist Kayla graduated from Sam Houston University on August 5, 2023, with a bachelor’s degree in Art and a minor in Art History.

Isabella Rios

Visual Artist

Isabella Rios

Isabella will be returning to the University of Texas at Arlington in the fall to start her sophomore year. She explains, "My first full year in college has been much better than I would have ever anticipated and I owe a lot of it to the Artis the Artist Foundation. Without the financial stress, I had the time to truly enjoy this first semester, and things will only get better ..." Over the summer, Isabella is planning to study abroad in Spain and strengthen her Spanish speaking abilities.

Carlandre Bussey, Jr. (C.J.)

Visual Artist and Designer

Carlandre Bussey, Jr. (C.J.)

Artist C.J. is a member of the Young Men’s Leadership Academy and will be attending Southern University A&M College. According to C.J., "Art has taught me that life experiences occur for a reason and it’s up to you to either make the most of it or say, “I can’t do it.” Either way, someone will be happy that they did something and someone else in the future will be wondering, ‘Why didn’t I?’"

Marleena Garris

Theatre Artist

Marleena Garris

Garris, a performing artist, was the very first ATA foundation recipient in the theatre arts. After receiving a scholarship in 2018, she went on to pursue theatre at the university level and was a featured artist in several university stage productions. Marleneena has remained active in theatre since her graduation from Lindenwood University. In 2023, she started a venture with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Apprentice Company in the Boston area. She was also the recipient of the Spark Scholarship for BIPOC actors. Most recently, Marleena has been playing Casca in a punk rock retelling of Julius Caesar.

Chloe Williams

Performing Artist

Chloe Williams

Williams, a performing artist, received an ATA scholarship in 2021. As a result of working in drama and theatre, she grows more confident every time she steps on stage, is a better leader, and has developed a greater sense of empathy for others. She says, “Without discovering theatre, I wouldn’t be the outspoken person that I am today.” Williams attends Texas State University.

Matthew Morgan

Musical Artist

Matthew Morgan

Morgan received an ATA scholarship in 2022. He initially thought he would not be good enough to do anything, only to surpass his expectations and achieve high rankings in the state for his bass playing. Morgan continues to set and achieve his goals in Double Bass Performance at the Colburn Conservatory of Music and desires to further his studies on a graduate level in Music Composition. As he continues to strive for excellence in the musical arts, Morgan says, “Being in an environment where music is always present pushed me to work harder because I want to be the best. I don’t want to be mediocre.”

You Can Help Better Lives for Students!

All donations made to the Artis the Artist Foundation are tax deductible.

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Honor & Memorial Giving

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Artis the Artist Foundation
P.O. Box 181376
Arlington, TX  76096  

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