Two Central TAFE Photography students have been formally presented with the Monart Scholarship, generously donated by Mona Ketelsen of Monart Studio and Gallery in Dalkeith.
Mona was formerly a Central TAFE Fine Art student herself, studying at Claremont School of Art and then Central TAFE’s new building at 12 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge.
Finding her training fulfilling and invaluable for her own artistic career, Mona decided to support a student from the graphic design or photography portfolio.
After an intensive interview process Natalie Blom from East Perth, a student in the Diploma of Photography, was chosen as the successful scholarship recipient.
However, Mona was also very impressed with the work of another Advanced Diploma student, Krysia Cant from West Perth, so she decided to extend the scholarship to two students!
The scholarships mean that these two students will have their tuition and resource fees covered until the end of their courses. Following graduation, Mona looks forward to offering further guidance as they map out their respective careers in the arts.
“They are both very talented individuals working hard, balancing work and study and it is a privilege for me to be part of their journey towards a career in photography”, she said.
Natalie hopes to combine her already acquired graphic design skills with photography, in order to get a job with a website developer or publishing house.
Krysia's ultimate dream is to work for National Geographic magazine.
As well as running a contemporary fine art gallery, Mona also takes groups on fine art photography tours through the ancient streets of her birthplace, Egypt.