The members of Blue Whole Gallery are pleased to announce that Patience Leto has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Shirley Foss Memorial Scholarship.
At Sequim High School, Patience has demonstrated both artistic talent and a strong commitment to her future goals. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, while also working toward an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. She is also co-owner of Three Little Birds Studio d’Arte with her mother, where she helps support and promote the work of more than 30 artists. In addition to managing social media and inventory, she teaches classes and works directly with customers.
Patience’s combination of creativity, ambition, and dedication reflects the spirit of the Shirley Foss Memorial Scholarship, which was established to support emerging artists and students pursuing creative paths. Her educational goals uniquely blend business and the arts, positioning her to not only develop as an artist, but also to build the skills needed to support and promote creative work in today’s world.
The scholarship honors the memory of Shirley Foss, a beloved artist and a founding member of the Blue Whole Gallery. Through this scholarship, the Blue Whole Gallery continues its commitment to encouraging young artists as they begin the next chapter of their education and creative journeys.
We congratulate Patience Leto on this achievement and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the years ahead.