Old Sculpin Gallery will host an opening reception this Sunday, June 14, showcasing artwork by members of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association (MVAA) in addition to three of the Island’s graduating high school seniors.

The highlighted students are recipients of a scholarship that MVAA has been granting for over 45 years. The organization chooses two winners per graduating class, awarding them money for college, as well as one alternate whose work is also featured in the exhibit.

This year, Old Sculpin Gallery is recognizing winners Ian Patricio and Grazina Biskis and alternate Adriana Young.

The scholarship aims to help local students who will continue studying art after high school. Gallery director Kirsten Stevenson said that awarding young artists in this way encourages them to pursue a career in art — and even to pursue it back on Martha’s Vineyard.

“Some of our scholarship recipients have continued to go on to live and work on the Vineyard,” Ms. Stevenson said.

To be selected for the scholarship, students submitted art samples supplemented by written essays about their work and how it connects to their lives and identities. Applications are reviewed by a committee of MVAA members. This year’s committee was led by Melinda Fager and Karen Morgenbesser, who attended ceremonies at each winner’s school to present the awards.

Ms. Stevenson praised the wide range of artistic themes and styles portrayed by this year’s applicants. She was especially impressed by each individual’s ability to showcase creative breadth, never relying on just one idea or artistic form in their portfolios.

“They don’t just do one medium,” she said.

The student scholarship show reception is Sunday, June 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown. The exhibit opens on June 13 and continues through June 19.