Contemporary painter, sculptor, author, and
alumnus Eric Fischl hosted artist Kate Capshaw
at the Phoenix Art Museum on April 13, 2022.
Celebrated annually, the Eric Fischl Lecture Series & Vanguard Awards honors shared commitment to the arts, education and community. This year's event was made possible through the generosity of Phoenix Art Museum, and Varitec Solutions, a platinum sponsor.
Fischl, who attended Phoenix College (PC) in the late 1960s, has said he feels obliged to give back to the place where he became an artist. His partnership with PC is also rooted in his to desire validate students aspiring to become professional artists.
The Eric Fischl Series is a comprehensive program supporting PC students. Since 2005, Fischl has invited world-class artists to visit Phoenix College, evaluate student work, and to present the Vanguard Award (a $2,500 cash prize) to student artists, from works submitted to the Vanguard Showcase, in four categories: 2-dimensional art, 3-dimensional art, media arts, and photography.
Students may also apply for the Eric Fischl Scholarship, to pursue an Associate of Fine Arts Degree at Phoenix College – in preparation for university transfer. Most Fischl Scholars, and Vanguard Award winners, go on to 4-year institutions – continuing their educations, and growing as artists.