Arianna Nañez

2026 Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Arianna Nañez is a 17-year-old visual artist from Clayton, North Carolina, whose work focuses on painting, ink, and graphite. She is particularly drawn to these mediums for their ability to capture detail and convey emotion, allowing her to feel closely connected to the work she creates.

Her artistic development has been shaped by years of practice, supportive teachers, and exposure to a wide range of artistic styles. Arianna finds fulfillment both in the process of creating and in sharing her work with others, often making pieces that carry personal meaning or are intended for specific recipients.

Arianna hopes to continue growing as an artist while exploring opportunities to share and eventually sell her work. The AQF scholarship will support her development as she attends the UNCSA Visual Arts Summer Intensive, where she will expand her technical skills, experiment with new approaches, and challenge herself in a focused studio environment.