The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre has awarded its 2026 art education scholarship to Laura Secord Secondary School graduate Emma Smith.

Smith received the $200 Niagara Pumphouse Arts Scholarship for Art Education and is continuing her studies in illustration at OCAD University.

Her work focuses on creating characters in a graphic style, often using humour and playful concepts.

Smith also spent the summer working as a camp counsellor at the Pumphouse, helping children explore art and develop their creative skills.

“My favourite part was being able to assist and connect with children from a vast range of ages, helping to strengthen their connection with art, its production, and fundamentals,” Smith said.

“I will definitely carry with me the skill of running and teaching certain art techniques and assignments, as this has given me more practice in both explaining and showing my art process, which is a very important part of my major.”

Natalie Early, secretary of the Niagara Pumphouse board, presented Smith with the scholarship in recognition of her artistic achievements and plans to pursue post-secondary studies in the visual arts.

The scholarship was established in memory of Pumphouse founding member Ian Butler. It was created in 2010 and formalized in 2018 as an annual award for a graduating student from A.N. Myer Secondary School, Laura Secord Secondary School or Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.

Recipients are selected from applications submitted by school staff.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, located on the Niagara River in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offers visual arts classes, workshops, camps, exhibitions and events throughout the year.