Monday, October 26, 2015

WHAT IS THE HILLTOP FESTIVAL?

One of the things the Hilltop Arts Festival funds is the Pinkerton Award.

A new scholarship was first presented during May 2014 Elkmont High School Class Day.  The Hilltop Arts Society Pinkerton Award is awarded to an Elkmont High School senior to help them fund their college education.  This $750 scholarship can be used at any university or college.  The Pinkerton requires a student to submit photos of their art work or performance, write a 500 word essay on the importance of art in the community and to show proof of community involvement and service.   

More About the Pinkerton Award:
Hello, my name is Preston Pylant and I am the founder of the Hilltop Arts Society.   When I started on this venture 3 years ago it was to bring something fun and different to the community,  but also to encourage kids who love art,  but who live in a world that is ceasing to educate and produce the next generation of great artists. I want to encourage those students with talent and even those without natural talent to pick up a paint brush, to write a line of poetry, to act out a scene, to play their favorite bars of music, and to use their talents to improve their community.   


For the past two years the Hilltop Arts Society with support from the Town of Elkmont has held the Hilltop Arts Festival downtown.   Artists from all over North Alabama have gathered in our town to showcase and sell their work and play their music, and we have been blessed to be a part of such a special gathering.    The question was left, however, on how to spend the money raised by hosting the festival.   It made sense that the money should go to the support of future of art in our area, and that an art scholarship would be the best way to achieve this.   Thus, the Pinkerton Award was formed. 

The Pinkerton award is named after 2002 graduate of Elkmont High School, Neil Pinkerton.  Neil was a fantastic musician, actor, artist and friend.   Tragically Neil was killed in an automobile accident shortly after his graduation, but we remember him often for the uniqueness of his spirit and the greatness of his talent. Neil was never able to achieve his full potential as an artist, and this award is a way to remember Neil’s artistic spirit by helping another artist on their path to reaching their potential.  


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