The Ojai Studio Artists’ Scholarship Committee has received a $2,500
gift in honor of OSA co-founder Gayel Childress, who turned 80 on May 11,
from her niece and nephew-in-law Natalie Levin and Dr. Jim Levin of
Tucson, AZ.The gift is given in honor and appreciation of the artist’s vibrant
spirit and her dedication to sharing the joy of art.
Self-taught, Childress paints with a characteristic touch of whimsey.
Along with co-creating the annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour, Childress is
co-founder of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. She was awarded the “Ojai Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1999, and the People’s Choice Award of “Best Artist” in the
Ojai Valley in 2014.
Each year Ojai Studio Artists awards as much as $10,000 in scholarships
to support local students in their pursuit of a career in the visual
arts. OSA is incredibly grateful to the Levin’s for this generous gift.
