ATLANTIC CITY - As a child, Stockton University junior Antonio Rodriguez loved vacationing at the beach and Boardwalk with his family in the summer. Now, they can visit to see his artwork on display in the resort’s convention center.
STOCKTON/From left, Casey Sickler, senior destination services manager, Visit Atlantic City; scholarship recipient Antonio Rodriguez; and Anthony, Molino, vice president of Sales, Visit Atlantic City.Rodriguez recently won a $2,500 scholarship from Visit Atlantic City as part of a new Arist-in-Residence initiative to celebrate the resort through the creative vision of student artists. The collaboration with Stockton’s Visual Arts program highlights Atlantic City’s commitment to arts, education and showcasing the resort in a positive and inspiring light.
“I spent many summers going back and forth between my home and the shore with my family, so the city holds a special place in my heart,” Rodriguez said. “Whether it be for the Boardwalk or for concerts, the city has always been a place I enjoyed going to.”
As part of the program, selected Stockton Visual Arts sophomore and junior students were invited to take part in a competition. Participants focused on creating original artwork that reflects their personal perspectives of Atlantic City. Submissions focused on the city’s iconic and natural elements such as the shoreline, lighthouse, pier, nature preserves and city lights.
“I wanted to capture the nostalgic feel I have for the city by depicting the coast and the lighthouse as if it were on a postcard,” Rodriguez said.
A selection committee met in January to review all submissions and chose Rodriguez to receive the scholarship. His work and a selection of participating students’ submissions will be prominently displayed at the Atlantic City Convention Center throughout the year. The winning artwork will be reproduced as gifts for convention clients, serving as a visual expression of Atlantic City’s appreciation for choosing the destination.
Rodriguez was presented with his scholarship during Visit Atlantic City’s annual meeting on Feb. 4.
“This initiative brings together creativity, education and destination marketing in a meaningful way,” said Anthony Molino, vice president of Sales for Visit Atlantic City. “By empowering students to share their vision of Atlantic City, we’re not only supporting emerging artists but also creating lasting impressions for our convention clients.”
The program is in collaboration with Stockton’s Visual Arts Program.
“This Artist-in-Residence initiative gives our students a powerful opportunity to engage with Atlantic City as both artists and storytellers,” said Mariana Smith, associate professor of Visual Arts and program chairperson. “By interpreting the city through their own creative lenses, students are not only developing their artistic voices but also contributing to a broader, positive narrative that celebrates Atlantic City’s character, beauty and cultural vitality. We are looking forward to continuing this scholarship competition sponsored by Visit Atlantic City.”
This Artist-in-Residence partnership reflects Visit Atlantic City’s ongoing efforts to integrate local talent and storytelling into the visitor experience while reinforcing the city’s vibrant culture and creative community.
