The Society of Illustrators proudly presents the Zankel Scholar named in memory of Arthur Zankel, whose generous bequest has made this scholarship possible. Mr. Zankel was a firm advocate for higher education. This year, the jury included artists Dominique Ramsey, Colete Martin, Jeremy Nguyen, Elliot Lang, and Art Director Chelsea Beck. The jury chose as semi-finalists Emelia Feldman (Ringling College of Art and Design), Sue Kim (School of Visual Arts), and Rachel Genito (Pratt Institute). After online interviews and a portfolio review, Rachel Genito was selected as this year’s Zankel Scholar.
Rachel has a deep passion for storytelling and her work delicately and deliberately uses the line to show the art and craft of drawing she has spent years refining. Living and working in New York City, Rachel finds continual inspiration in the city’s energy, a relentless rhythm she seeks to reflect in her work. She is profoundly grateful to be part of a place that fuels her artistic vision and deepens her commitment to using illustration as both personal expression and cultural dialogue.
This year marks the first time that a student from Pratt Institute has won either the Eisner or Zankel scholarships.
