Recently, Salem Arts Association Presented 2022 Scholarships to Three Local Graduates, Arianna Shalhoub, Lena Faeskorn, and Leena Sarhan.
The recipient of the 2022 Ellen Hardy Memorial Arts Scholarship is Lena Ruth Faeskorn. Lena is graduating her homeschool program and will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design. The Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 2018 to a graduate from any Salem school, or a student member of the Salem Arts Association working in any visual art, performance, and multi-media.
Creative Collective: Tell us who you are, your pronouns, what school you are graduating from, and where do you plan to go next?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: I am a filmmaker and photographer with a passion for documentary storytelling. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I was homeschooled my whole life. Last May, having amassed enough credits as a dual enrollment student, I graduated from Middlesex Community College with an associate degree in Liberal Studies. I will pursue a BFA in Film and Television at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the fall.
Creative Collective: What kind of art do you make?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: My primary mediums are film, photography, and music. As an emerging artist who has dabbled in various aspects of art, I use my films and photos as an outlet for self-expression, and I also aspire to serve those with whom I collaborate. My artistic objective is to ensure that both my subjects and my audiences feel seen and heard.
Creative Collective: How does it feel to be a recipient of the Ellen Hardy Memorial Scholarship?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: It is such an honor to be recognized by both the Salem Arts Association and Ellen Hardy’s family. At the scholarship ceremony, I was able to learn more about Ellen’s story and connection with the Association, which was very special. I am grateful as a young artist to be treated by the Association as an equal contributor, and to Ellen’s family for their generosity and recognition.
Creative Collective: Who are your inspirations?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: I find much of my inspiration from the world around me, by going outside on walks and spending time in my community. I am also inspired by my dad, who first introduced me to photography and playing music when I was younger. He has taught me a lot of what I know now, and I continue to be inspired by what he does artistically.
Creative Collective: If you could give advice to your former self, what would it be?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: I would say not to give up on my art, and that good things are coming. I think my former self was more of a perfectionist than I am now, so I would also advise her to just give things a try, knowing now that some of my best work has come by letting go of the need for the end product having to match the initial vision.
Creative Collective: What does innovation mean to you?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: Innovation to me is seeing the unique and creative ways that people do things that I may not have thought of myself. That can be very inspiring to see, and it often pushes me to think outside of the box when working on my own projects.
Creative Collective: What’s coming up next for you artistically?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: Currently I am in the process of planning a new film project. I also play bass in a band, and we have a performance coming up in our community later this month. I recently saw the Remembrance exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum and look forward to submitting work to the Salem Arts Association based on my interpretation of it.
Creative Collective: Anything else you’d like to share?
Lena Ruth Faeskorn: It was a very special opportunity to be at the Salem Arts Association scholarship ceremony, and I want to extend my gratitude once again to the staff for putting on such a wonderful event. It was very moving to see my artistic work celebrated in such a way, and I am excited to participate in future gallery exhibitions and to get started with the next phase of my life.
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