The Joseph Melançon Excellence in the Visual Arts Scholarship

"My love of painting and drawing started in elementary school. It eventually led me to a degree in Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 1962 and through a 38 year career in designing exhibits, sets, props and special effects. Those years were a joy because of the variety of my creative experiences. My passion for painting and teaching grew stronger with continued thoughts of graduate school.

After meeting with Fine Arts chair Gary Washmon in 1997 I was convinced TWU was for me. Gary and his staff of teachers helped make this program the most fulfilling and productive growth experience of my life. A minor in Art History with summers traveling to Europe put all the studio classwork in perspective. I walked across the stage to receive my MFA diploma on my 62nd birthday in December of 2000. Thanks to my daughter Janet, I am thrilled and honored to have a scholarship in my name at TWU. I hope this scholarship will assist other artists in realizing their dreams." – Joseph Melançon

"I had been thinking about ways to honor my father so that his legacy as an accomplished artist would live on. The Joseph Melançon Excellence in the Visual Arts Scholarship is a great way to honor him and provide an educational incentive for future graduate students pursuing an MFA in painting at TWU. My Father inspires me in life and is a constant source of encouragement. I hope other people who have been inspired by his life and work will contribute to this scholarship in his honor." – Janet Melançon

"Joseph Melançon was one of the most talented and creative students I encountered in over 30 years of university teaching. Working with Joseph as a student was a joy; his intensity, passion for his art was simply outstanding. Although he set the bar very high for other students, Joseph’s infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude always encouraged and challenged his peers. It was immediately apparent that Joseph had the makings of a great teacher.

The breadth of Joseph’s work, from abstractions to landscapes to still life and beyond is indicative of his wide interests in a variety of subjects. As an artist, Joseph was fearless, always willing to take chances and risks. Always curious, he was never afraid to ask 'what if' with the courage to follow up and execute his ideas in paint. I am honored to have worked with such a fine artist and person, Joseph Melançon." – Gary Washmon, professor of painting and drawing, TWU Department of Visual Arts

To learn more about Joseph and his art, please visit https://artcld.com/artist/joseph-melancon.

To support the Joseph Melançon Excellence in the Visual Arts Scholarship:

1. Make checks payable to: TWU Foundation
2. Note on the check: Joseph Melançon Scholarship Acct 0088486
3. Mail checks to:

Office of University Advancement
Texas Woman’s University
1605 N. Bell Ave.
Denton, Texas 76204