Recognizing that art is often the catalyst for scholarly discussion and community awareness, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will host the third annual Artful FAFSA from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 in the Guinan Hall Lobby. Showcasing UST’s artistic talent to the Houston community, the event is open to the public. UST faculty, staff and students are free to browse the selections through Tuesday, Feb. 24. This art exhibit will kick off the Fat FAFSA scholarship and financial aid event held Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Jerabeck Athletic Center Gymnasium.

Approximately 15 artists were chosen to have their art featured in the exhibit. The artists were selected through a juried process. Mediums ranged from tradition visual arts, mixed media, sculpture and video art.

The featured artist is Ben Felleman, a UST senior psychology major. His professional history includes photographing several subjects, such as weddings, portraits, architecture, musicians, and photojournalism. Additionally, he was employed as the chief photographer and photo-editor of the former student newspaper, The Cauldron. Learn more about Felleman at http://www.benfellemanphotography.com

“Photography has been an important part of my personality and of who I am,” Felleman said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect that part of myself with UST students and professors by sharing my work with the University community at Artful FAFSA.”

As the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid has recently increased efforts to reach out to area high schools, they have also hosted financial aid awareness seminars at KIPP Houston High School. Alvaro Lopez, a senior at KIPP Houston High School, has been selected as the Artful FAFSA Community Artist of the Year. Lopez is taking a two-dimensional Advanced Placement art design class, and has placed in numerous local art shows. Lopez plans to major in business.

Shown at top, "Ferris Wheel," by Ben Felleman, and a photo of Felleman taken at a political rally for Barack Obama.

View the complete list of artists and samples of their work at www.myspace.com/artfulfafsa