The family of artist George Wolfe established a scholarship in his memory to benefit a Northwestern State University student majoring in fine and graphic art. From left are Dr. Greg Handel, director of NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts; Jill Bankston, associate director of development; donors Vonna and David Wolfe, Matt DeFord, director of the Department of Fine + Graphic Art, and Drake Owens, director of the NSU Foundation.
The family of a well-known Natchitoches artist created a scholarship that will benefit a Northwestern State University student majoring in fine and graphic art. The George Wolfe Endowed Scholarship honors the legacy of a long-time artist and educator who inspired creativity in those around him. David and Vonna Wolfe of Austin, Texas, initiated the endowed scholarship through a donation of $5,000 to the NSU Foundation that will be matched by State Farm.
A native of New Orleans, Wolfe was locally known for his dragons, life-size rhinoceros and 12-foot Don Quixote sculptures.
“My dad truly enjoyed Natchitoches and the time he spent both teaching and learning at NSU. He was indeed a lifelong learner,” David Wolfe said. “We relish providing the scholarship to say thanks while helping someone else grow.”
Wolfe graduated from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, Louisiana State University, University of New Orleans and Northwestern State, where he completed his third master’s degree. He encouraged everyone to further their education, expand their horizons and meet challenges with creativity. He passed away in 2014.
David Wolfe said the ideal recipient for the scholarship would be a person devoted to and as passionate about visual art as his father was and someone who would give back, such as a student who plans to teach arts. David Wolfe said that were his father could give advice to young students, he would encourage them to enjoy and embrace their work.
“You may be working on an assigned art project, but remember in the end it will be seen as your artwork, regardless of why you did it so give it your best effort. Stretch your boundaries. Always try new mediums although they will often not feel natural or comfortable at first,” David Wolfe said.