ATTLEBORO - As art students from novice to experienced consider enrolling in one or more of the Attleboro Arts Museum's varied and unique art classes or workshops this fall, the museum offers one last incentive.

All students taking a class or workshop through the museum's W. Charles Thompson Museum School this fall and each fall thereafter will be eligible for a new award to be sponsored by the museum.

The award has been instituted by the museum as a salute to the late Viktor Schreckengost, whose work was honored and displayed at the museum this past spring through the Viktor Schreckengost Legacy Exhibition.

In light of a recent gift to the museum by Schreckengost's widow, Gene Schreckengost, according to Museum Executive Director Mim Fawcett, the award has been dubbed the Viktor Schreckengost "Mangbetu" Award.

The gift given to the museum was Schreckengost's 1933 original "Mangbetu Child; Bronze Casting No. 2," which Fawcett says museum visitors and friends will treasure for years to come, serving as a strong symbol of Schreckengost's talent and the great impact of the spring exhibition. "Mangbetu Child holds great significance within a museum that emphasizes visual arts through diverse educational programs and arts experiences," Fawcett said.

"The Mangbetu are a people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are known for their highly developed art and music. This meaningful sculpture recognizes Viktor Schreckengost's reach as an arts educator and creates a tribute to superior arts achievement."

Offered as a celebration of Schreckengost's contributions as an educator and remarkable accomplishment as an artist and designer, according to Fawcett, the award will be issued annually and salute outstanding arts achievement by an Attleboro Arts Museum School student per the following criteria.

Award guidelinesAll Attleboro Arts Museum W. Charles Thompson Museum School art class or workshop students enrolled each fall are eligible to apply.

There is no fee to apply.

Students can be of any age, demonstrating Schreckengost's commitment to lifelong learning.

Awards would be granted based on arts achievement and dedication/strength in the museum classroom.

Preference will be given to museum members in good standing. This will be stated in the application.

Applications would require images of work and an artist statement. Minors can be assisted by adults.

Faculty would initially review the applications of their students during the last week of the class or conclusion of the workshop. Successful applications who have received the endorsement of the instructor are then reviewed by the museum's programs coordinator and Community Gallery coordinator.

Applications will be narrowed down to four and submitted to the Award Committee of Museum Trustees and Executive Director.

Committee and museum executive director contact all finalists and have quick one-on-ones to review work and candidate quality, with museum trustee Chuck Tramontana leading the way to identify the candidate who will best uphold the Schreckengost name.

Gene Schreckengost will be sent a yearly packet introducing the recipient of the award, with images of the student's work and his or her statement as an artist.

The prizesThe recipient will be awarded the following:

A month-long exhibition in the Museum's Community Gallery

publicity surrounding the award and exhibition.

Complimentary student museum membership for one year.

Complimentary Viktor Schreckengost Legacy Exhibition catalog.

Name on museum "perpetual plaque" to commemorate the award and the recipient's achievement.

Janette Sears can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.