SOBA awards 2025 Naomi McCracken Scholarships

The Society of Bluffton Artists has awarded its 2025 SOBA and Naomi McCracken Scholarship to Katherine Donahue and Ke’yari Kelly, honoring the two graduating seniors for their artistic achievement and dedication to careers in the arts.

The scholarship, established in 2007 to commemorate SOBA founding member Naomi McCracken, supports local high school students pursuing degrees in the visual arts. This year’s recipients were recognized during a special presentation at the SOBA gallery by Emmett and Teddy McCracken and SOBA President Karen Richards.

Donahue, a graduate of May River High School, will enter Clemson University’s architecture program in the fall. She was active in AP Studio Art and the National Art Honor Society, earning praise for her focus on architectural conservation and design.

Kelly, a Bluffton High School graduate, plans to major in art education at Winthrop University. As president of her school’s National Art Honor Society and a top AP Drawing student, she has shown strong leadership and a passion for teaching.
The scholarship was created after Naomi McCracken’s death in 2006, when her family requested donations be made to SOBA in her memory. Her son, Emmett McCracken, and then-president Dave Dickson later established the fund to continue her legacy of supporting emerging artists.

The Society of Bluffton Artists is a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts in the Lowcountry. Its gallery features work from local artists and offers exhibitions, workshops, and events to foster artistic growth in the community.