Each year, the Iona Blake Dobbins Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts offers deserving students aged 15 and up a chance to pursue their dreams of artistic excellence. Whether they seek knowledge in person or through digital studies, this scholarship can help support them on their journey into the visual arts!
Who was Iona Dobbins?
“First lady of the arts in Rhode Island.”
“A champion for artists and the arts.”
“Our artist in chief.”
Iona Dobbins, a Boston-born woman with an illustrious education from Fisher College, bravely transplanted her life to Rhode Island in 1960 to join her husband as he began his career at Brown University. Though never expecting such recognition for it – during the next four decades of passionate service devoted towards art and culture across Rhode Island she earned numerous accolades that praised her extraordinary devotion.
Iona lived an extraordinary life devoted to art and the betterment of her community. She was a true champion for arts in education, served on several nonprofit boards, spearheaded multiple initiatives such as Business Volunteers for the Arts Rhode Island and First Night Providence. As executive director of RI State Council on the Arts she made lasting contributions; among them holding positions with The Providence Art Club & Art League of Rhode Island (serving as president from 2008-2010). Sadly, Iona passed away at 82 after leaving behind a legacy that positively impacted countless lives across New England.
For information on our 2020 recipients, Medeski Dow and Isabel Mayers, click HERE and HERE
The application process for the 2021 scholarship will be announced early in 2021.
The scholarship fund is held by Rhode Island Foundation. If you wish to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please use this link HERE