2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Ellie Petschl

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I wanted to come to MCAD after I attended the pre-college summer program. I also wanted to be surrounded by other creatives and MCAD is close to home as well.

How/why did you choose your area of study?

I always knew from a young age that I loved to draw and paint. I could never see myself doing anything other creating art with my own two hands. I chose to focus on drawing and painting because I wanted to expand my techniques and abilities as an artist in a fine art direction.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I have loved the people that I have met here. The faculty, students, and alumni have all lifted me up throughout my artistic journey.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted for merits focuses around a theme I have been exploring through my time at MCAD which is beauty in the grotesque.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

For my senior year I plan to expand on the theme of grotesque beauty. I plan to explore different techniques within my work and

What inspires your creative self?

I am inspired to create work that brings a spotlight to a subject that is usually overlooked by many. By combining grotesque subjects with beautiful jarring colors, the viewer has to challenge their own perception of beauty. Creating work that creates that challenge of ideas is also something that inspires me.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

I think my best find was an unopened bottle of linseed oil. I visit the free shelf frequently and get most of my fabric that I paint on from there.