(PHOENIX) – Madsion Esh, a senior at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria whose photography incorporates a distinctly personal perspective on light and color, has been  awarded the Arts Council of the North Valley Art Scholarship for artistic excellence in Photography. 

Competing against other outstanding visual and performing artists from the North Valley, Madison was described by the Scholarship selection committee as a young woman whose vision and promise bode well for a future in photographic arts.

“Madi’s photos show such sensitivity to light, shadow, and the nuances of color.  Her approach is so uniquely personal,”  said Linda Schwartz, co-chair of the ACNV Scholarships Committee.  “What is more, she understands very clearly where she wants to go with her art. That focus and direction were especially impressive to the judges.”

A multiple award-winner for her work – including first place finishes in the Optimist Club of Sun City photography contest and Sunrise Mountain High School art show – Madison already is well known in her community. In addition to photography, Madison’s interests include volunteer work for youth sports teams in Peoria and serving as a docent for the Peoria City Hall art gallery. Madison also has been an honors student throughout high school.

Madison’s collegiate studies will begin in the Graphic Arts program at Scottsdale Community College – an acclaimed program that is in keeping with her ultimate goal of pursuing a career in graphic design and visual communication.  

"Photography is my passion, and being able to use it as a means of communication is what excites me about the next step in my studies,” Esh stated. “I am so honored to receive this scholarship award from the Arts Council of the North Valley. It will make a tremendous difference in my ability to pursue a higher education.

“I really can’t thank ACNV enough--not only for their financial support, but also for their expression of confidence in my artistic potential and their enthusiastic encouragement regarding my photography career goals."

The ACNV Art Scholarship will be awarded to Ms. Esh on April 28, 2012, at the ACNV Picnic Under the Stars fundraising event held at Anthem Community Park in Anthem.  In addition to the scholarship award, Madison has been selected to photograph the event; adding to her already impressive portfolio. 

The ACNV Scholarship was established by founder, past president and former executive director of the Arts Council of the North Valley, Donna Kublin. Kublin helped guide the organization during its first five years and continues to assist the new leadership team.  "I am deeply honored that the board has kept the ‘Artistic Excellence Scholarship’ as one of its signature programs year after year," said Kublin.  "It fills me with joy to see the talented young people in our schools being given a chance to blossom artistically with ACNV’s help."

Tickets for Picnic Under the Stars, the fun and fabulous fundraiser, are $35 per person and available by calling 623-551-3254 or by visiting www.acnv.org.

To learn more about the Arts Council of the North Valley, educational outreach programs, major fundraising events, upcoming programs and annual membership opportunities to support the arts in the North Valley, please visit www.ACNV.org or call  (623) 516-2268.