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THE KENT MELTON LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM 2026
Description and Overview
For the first time ever, we are honored to introduce the Kent Melton Sculpture Scholarship Award—a rare and prestigious opportunity for aspiring sculptors to develop their craft and follow in the footsteps of one of the industry’s most revered artists.
Kent Melton, the legendary sculptor behind some of animation’s most iconic characters, has left an indelible mark on the art of visual storytelling. This scholarship is dedicated to preserving his legacy by supporting the next generation of sculptors who share his passion for bringing characters to life in three-dimensional form.
🌟 This is more than an award—it’s a career-defining opportunity! 🌟
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sculptors ready to push artistic boundaries and create timeless, expressive works in the spirit of Kent Melton.
AMANDINE SENNy
Full Scholarship Awardee 2025
"I am a self taught sculptor, so this was the first time I really had sculpture lessons. During this program, mentored by Andrea Blasich, I learned all the techniques, materials and tools used by the pros. It helped me improve my process, and I learned so many tips which will stay with me forever."~ Amandine Senny, Tangible illustrator
ALEXANDRA VALENTE-SWIGER
Full Scholarship Awardee 2025
"I was at a place emotionally where I did feel beaten down. I was six or so months out from graduation and a few interviews behind me of entry-level roles that were super close calls, but didn't work out for a variety of reasons. It might be silly, but I think I needed to hear a 'yes' from somewhere to feel like my work and I had value, or that I was at least at the point of having a solid enough foundation to receive mentorship and get to where I wanted to be one day. This program and scholarship was that yes for me! It feels especially symbolic given what Kent Melton himself stood for, and his words about never giving up regardless of what you may face." ~ Alexandra Valente-Swiger, 3D Artist
PATRONS
Full Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- Study program over the course of 5 months
- Complimentary 4-day Premiere ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable or transferable
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- One virtual group meeting
- Complimentary 4-day Basic ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Honorable Mentions
Partial Scholarship Awards
Honorable Mentions
- Complimentary 1-day Walk Around ticket to CTNX25
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
KENT MELTON (1955-2024)
Kent Melton James Kent Melton started drawing when he was one. An artist of natural talent, he grew up in rural Southern Missouri, and attended a school without art classes. Not surprisingly, one of his favorite childhood television shows was "The Wonderful World of Disney".
Persuing his art interests, he moved to California, working on projects for live-action films. It was then he was called upon by the Walt Disney Company to sculpt animation character models (Maquettes) for the feature animated film "Aladdin".
From that moment on, he became the master maquette sculptor, entrusted by the animators in bringing their two-dimensional drawings into a three-dimensional world. He created sculptures and reference maquettes for The Walt Disney Company, Laika, Hanna-Barbera, and Warner Brothers. Some films Kent was known for are Disney classics including Aladdin, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pixar’s The Incredibles and Laika’s Paranorman.
