A dedicated bursary fund in honour of Natalie Piper will award a $2000 tuition bursary every year to a student pursuing training in the fine or digital arts.

Graphic design, the digital arts, the performing arts, poetry, fine arts, and book binding would all qualify for the tuition grant, which will be managed by The County Foundation.

Jim Turner, at whose 2Gallery, formerly on Picton Main Street, Natalie worked, said, “a scholarship is usually based on academic performance, while a bursary reflects other considerations, including financial need. We want to support a student with a keen interest in any of the arts — fine art, graphic design, digital design, print.

“Natalie had a drive and passion that took her around the world in pursuit of her interests.”

The bursary’s founders include Mr. Turner, longtime friends and fellow artists Laurie Gruer and Bill Stearman, and Natalie’s husband, Nigel Piper.

They will soon begin fundraising in earnest. The fund will require at least $40,000 to ensure it sustains itself in perpetuity.

County Foundation Executive Director Dominique Jones noted, “we will invest those funds with our other long-term funds to support sustainability and growth.” The Foundation will handle tax administration, applications from students, and funding the awards.

Funds will not go directly to students, but in payment of tuition to registered educational institutions.

Applications open in May 2027. The first award will come in June.

“Jim and Bill and I had the great good fortune of spending time with Nat over the last several years both at 2Gallery and in the studio we shared at the Armoury for four years. She was endlessly kind, witty, and considerate and we all miss her sorely,” said longtime friend and fellow artist Mr. Gruer. “We think she would be very proud of this bursary.”

“A memorial website showcasing Natalie’s work will support the fund,” continued Mr. Gruer. “It will have application instructions and detail the fields eligible for the scholarship.”