Princeton artist and art teacher Priscilla Snow Algava has touched the hearts, souls and imaginations of so many people that it’s hard to describe her influence in any one way. Through bright, colorful and joyful paintings, warm and spirited watercolor classes and workshops, and welcoming pop-up galleries, Priscilla has mastered the art of giving—to her family, her students, her colleagues and her community.
Today, her community is giving back. West Windsor Arts Council has recently announced a scholarship fund in Priscilla’s name, a way to honor a cherished member of its community who is now battling advanced endometrial cancer. The fund has been established to perpetuate her legacy and make it possible for individuals of all ages who wish to pursue art classes at the West Windsor Arts Center to do so despite financial obstacles.
West Windsor Arts Council is officially launching the scholarship at a special event on Friday, November 30th, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend “A Night of Inspiration and Appreciation” and learn more about this amazing woman and her beautiful artwork, some of which will be for sale.
“We are especially delighted that two of Priscilla’s colleagues will be making presentations that evening,” says Sherri Andrews, a member of the Board of Directors of West Windsor Arts Council as well as an artist and former student of Priscilla’s. Two of the area’s most respected artists, Mel Leipzig and Tricia Fagan, will share their personal stories. Mel Leipzig is a nationally recognized painter whose works are in collections such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Academy Museum, and the New Jersey Sate Museum, among many others. Tricia Fagan is an esteemed curator and arts administrator having served many local agencies including Artworks, the Gallery at Mercer County Community College, and currently at the division of Cultural Heritage for Mercer County.
“To me, this event and outpouring of support speak of the supportive community Priscilla has helped us build,” says Ms. Andrews. “She is not only an intuitive painter but also a free spirit who preaches the importance of being nonjudgmental. She believes we are all artists and encourages us to turn off our inner critics.”
Through Priscilla’s encouragement, Sherri gained the confidence to submit her own work to local shows and museums. “I submitted three of my paintings to the Off the Wall Art Show at West Windsor Arts Center, and all three sold. I never would have had the courage without Priscilla.”
“It is important to Priscilla that other people can experience the joy and freeing feeling of painting,” Sherri continues. “I encourage anyone who can to come out that night and see her bold, flowing work.”
While Priscilla has always loved to paint dancers and self-portraits, her recent work has been even more impactful, at times full of grief. Painting has become a meditative practice for the artist, and she sometimes paints while at the hospital receiving cancer treatments.
A retired high school art teacher, Priscilla never stopped teaching and sharing her special gift. “A Night of Inspiration and Appreciation” is a wonderful way to support her legacy. Net proceeds of the event will support the scholarship fund at the arts council and a majority percentage of sales of the art will go directly to the artist.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 609.716.1931, or visit westwindsorarts.org/events. If you are not able to attend, but would like to contribute to the Priscilla Snow Algava Scholarship Fund, visit westwindsorarts.org/support.
