The James Bernard Haggarty
Scholarship of Service and Commitment

$3,000 Scholarship offered to one artist in each Canopy Program cohort.
Juried by Catherine Haggarty

Qualified candidates:

Have applied to a canopy cohort
Have demonstrable financial need
Are committed to serving their community
Are committed to their artistic development

To apply:

Apply to a Canopy Cohort
2024 Cohort Applications open Dec 7 - Jan 7
In the canopy application, check “Yes” when asked, “Would you like to apply for this scholarship?”
Share how you have demonstrated an act of service for your community (150 words max.)
Share how you have demonstrated perseverance and commitment to your art practice (150 words max.)

This scholarship is in honor of my late Father, James Bernard Haggarty who passed away November 2nd, 2022 after a decade long battle with a rare condition called Benson's Syndrome & Alzheimers. Throughout his life and many careers - he inspired others by setting countless goals and achieving every one. He wrote letters to his kids and encouraged all our dreams. He very wisely showed us how to be great in quiet ways. He very bravely showed us that commitment is a big part of success and the mastery of one's goals and dreams was itself the reward.

My Dad was a dreamer, a poet, a builder, a writer, a businessman, an incredible athlete and a kind and generous soul. He never stopped fighting. He showed us what it means to persevere with grace and dignity. I consider him my hero and wish to honor his legacy by helping others in this way. I know he would have loved everything about NYC Crit Club and in his final days of being able to speak kept saying 'You did it, you did it...'.

I hope this scholarship can allow others into an art world that is sometimes difficult to enter and can inspire them to pay it forward to someone else.

- Catherine Haggarty, Co-Founder, Owner and Executive Director

'Yes, in the end it's not the particular matter that is most important. What is important is that you've come to understand mastery of yourself, your thoughts, your dreams and your beliefs.
That is the acorn from which all the great victories spring. Stay the course and the oak tree will be there. I believe in you.'
- Jim Haggarty, excerpt from a letter to his daughter, 2001.