Congratulations to the 2026 WSA Art Achievement Award Recipients
Jemma Jackson and Aaron Swingle
See Jemma and Aaron’s paintings at the WSA’s Annual Wellesley Library Show, November 2-30
Jemma Jackson “Unbreakable Bonds”
“This piece depicts the unbreakable bond between a person and their loved ones. It is based on a childhood portrait of my mother and me, capturing our relationship and enduring connection since. The piece contains a pink string wrapping around the figures in the shape of the United States, where I live, and Switzerland, where my mother lives. This element is inspired by The Invisible String picture book that I grew up with. This “invisible string” is a metaphor for the invisible bonds that connect us to the people we love, and how distance and separation do not reduce the presence of love for them.”
Aaron Swingle “Bros”
“Expressing the amity and brotherhood between siblings was what I strived to capture in this piece. A large inspiration for me to live life to its fullest potential, William (left) and Simon (right) are two mischievous and adorable members of my family—my cousins on my mom’s side. I chose them as the subjects of my piece to represent the small moments of reliance and the preciousness of their relationship, hopefully conveying the ways they depend on and support one another.
Although they consider me a role model, this piece is also an ode to the significant role they play in my life as well. Just as I hope to guide and inspire them, they bring joy, innocence, and meaning into my own life. My painting, “Bros,” captures the warmth, affection, and playful innocence of brotherhood while celebrating the unique bond they share.”
The Wellesley Society of Artists (WSA) established scholarship funds during the 1940s and 1950s to help Wellesley High School students pursue art studies at the college level. Today, the WSA gives the Annual Art Achievement Award, which is a cash prize given to one or two Wellesley High School rising seniors who demonstrates both merit and dedication to their art studies. As part of this award, recipients are invited to exhibit a painting in the WSA’s Annual November Library Show.
