Anya K. Stephenson (AKS) , Torrington

Anya K. Stephenson (AKS) is a multi-disciplinary creative from Torrington. With a masters in psychology, she has always used her intuition for human behavior to influence her photography, paintings, and installations. She is the owner of AKS EDITIONS, LLC, is also the CEO and founder of Just Creatives, LLC, “The Official Platform for Professional Creatives”. 

Her enthusiasm for the arts and community has led her to travel the tri-state area working with organizations as a member of Culture 4 A Cause, Alpha Chi - National College Honor Society, National Honor Society (NHS), National Honor Society of Leadership and Success (NHSLS), and ForbesBLK. As a first-generation American with a Panamanian and Jamaican heritage, AKS is passionate about helping other people express the details that make them creative.

When presented with the scholarship Anya was incredibly grateful, “I want to thank the Torrington UNICO for this gracious award.  It will help me work to connect creatives in the northwest corner and spread the word of the arts throughout the tristate area.”

Kaylee Naomi, Thomaston

Kaylee Naomi of Thomaston is a senior pursuing her Bachelor's degree in painting at the University of Hartford. She is currently focused on her thesis show, which highlights her passion for oil painting and expressive artistic style. Her work is deeply influenced by her connection to the community in Northwest CT, where she plans to contribute to local artistic and cultural initiatives.

Kaylee’s academic achievements include earning the Art & Design Award for Work Ethic and Citizenry from Northwestern CT State University. While at Northwestern she held an honors scholarship and had multiple artworks selected by faculty for annual student exhibitions. In 2020-2021, she served as the NWCC Student Body President. She later had several artworks chosen for the Hartford Art School’s Community College exhibit, earning her competitive scholarships to attend the college. 

She has recently been appointed as the Hartford Art School’s Representative in the Student Government at the University of Hartford and plans to graduate Spring 2025.

This Fall Kaylee will intern with the artists Kathleen Kucka who runs Furnace- Art on Paper in Falls Village, and KK Kozik who runs IceHouse Project Space in Sharon. Her artistic talent, creative motivation, and community-minded approach have been applauded.