The Marblehead Arts Association has awarded its annual Liz Larrabee Art Scholarship to Marblehead High School Class of 2026 graduate Serena Nyberg.
Nyberg, who will attend Tufts University this fall, received the $1,000 scholarship, which is presented each year to a Marblehead high school senior who demonstrates exceptional artistic talent and a strong commitment to the arts.
“Serena has enjoyed art from an early age and credits the start of her love for oil painting to the Acorn Gallery in Marblehead,” according to a Marblehead Arts Association news release. “Ever since then, she’s been dedicated to her passion for art and developing her artistic talents, more recently mentored by MHS art teacher, Shirley Huller White, who encouraged creative ideas that told a story.”
At Tufts, Nyberg plans to pursue a dual degree in fine arts and psychology.
“Art is such an amazing creative process, and channeling who I am as a person into a painting is an amazing experience to express my thoughts and ideas,” Nyberg said. “I want to use my art to create meaning and change in the world.”
Nyberg said she is deeply concerned about the isolation caused by excessive technology use and its effects on people’s mental and physical health. Through her artwork, she hopes to “spread awareness about our connection to technology and how that’s separating us from the natural world around us… I looked within myself, and was struggling with these issues myself, being addicted to technology. We should be outside enjoying nature — and we live by the ocean!”
The Liz Larrabee Art Scholarship was established by longtime Marblehead Arts Association supporters Michele Martin and her sister, Nancy, in memory of their mother, an artist. The scholarship aims to encourage young artists to continue their artistic pursuits and arts education through college and beyond.
