Since 2006, the RC 97 Art Scholarship in Memory of Özlem Akçakuş has enabled art-oriented RC students to take part in summer workshops around the world, experiences that leave a lasting mark on how they see their work and their future.
This year’s recipients, Ayliz Çıldır and Zeynep Su Bayam, were both accepted to the Summer Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Their works have been on view in the Gould Corridor since November in a small but thoughtful exhibition. While Zeynep Su works primarily with artist books and Ayliz with illustration, their practices meet in a quiet dialogue – playful, inventive, and carefully considered.
Reflecting on the scholarship, RC Art Department Head Alex Downs notes its role in encouraging students to explore beyond familiar boundaries. Established by Özlem Akçakuş’s family and classmates in honor of her love for art, the scholarship continues to open new paths for young artists at RC – quietly, steadily, and with lasting impact.
