Recent Oak Bay High graduate Cam Neufeld credits art as helping shape who he is.
The lifelong fondness for creating developed into art classes, learning about both the aesthetic and intellectual sides of art and now pursuing art in a bit of a different format at university.
“Art has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing, but as I continued with it my passion grew and my understanding of what art is grew as well. Art is incredibly important to me in that it plays a vital role in how I perceive life and navigate the world around me,” Neufeld said.
This fall, Neufeld is working on a bachelor’s degree of design at the University of British Columbia in anticipation of entering the school’s architecture program.
“I am also hoping to minor in fine arts in some way and am taking plenty of fine arts elective courses. I chose to do a bachelor’s of design as it encompassed all my interests: design, art and social justice, while still keeping many doors open for future career paths,” he said.
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Neufeld has some help in paying for rent, food and tuition while he does that work, thanks to a scholarship from the Oak Bay Community Artists Society.
“I honestly didn’t know the scholarship existed until it was given to me and I am very grateful that I’ve been granted the privilege,” he said.
Based on its mandate to encourage emerging youth artists, Oak Bay Artists invites youth older than 16 to exhibit at the annual Bowker Creek Brush Up. Each year, one continuing with their art education is selected for a scholarship.
Neufeld was selected because of his art education at Oak Bay High, his involvement in volunteering for Arts Alive, Recreation Oak Bay studio tour and general interest in being involved with the arts in the community, said Flo-Elle Watson.
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Watson, who serves as president of the artist society, also worked alongside Neufeld as part of this year’s jury for Arts Alive.
Neufeld is grateful for both the scholarship and the opportunities that led him there.
“Being able to display my own art, help spread art in the community and build relationships within the local art scene has really been a lovely experience. I hope that I can one day continue to volunteer with Oak Bay community arts and reconnect with all the lovely people I met doing so.”