A young Dartmouth artist has been recognized for her talent by the South Coast Artists.

Michelle Sherman, a senior at Dartmouth High School, was awarded the South Coast Artists, Inc. Youth Grant.

Sherman, the first Dartmouth student to receive the grant, plans to use the grant to purchase a drawing tablet, used for digital illustration, to further her study as she completes her second advanced placement art class and prepares a portfolio for college.

"I'm beyond thrilled about it," Sherman said. "I very much enjoy what I do and I'm excited to get some recognition for it."

Sherman has accepted a place at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she will study digital design and animation.

She will also be invited to exhibit at the South Coast Artists Spring Invitational, which will be held at the Gallery at Four in Tiverton, Rhode Island.

The $500 grant is awarded annually to a high school student in Dartmouth, Westport, Tiverton, or Little Compton to encourage artists to explore by helping cover the cost of materials, classes, or other expenses.

The Youth Grant was created in memory of Poole Barker, a young exhibiting member of the South Coast Artists, to encourage Poole’s spirit of creativity, joy, and exploration in other young artists.

The South Coast Artists are a non-profit corporation that is best known for their annual Open Studio Tours.

For further information about the next round of micro-grants, visit SouthCoastArtists.org, or contact youth grant chairperson Heather Stivison at youthgrants@southcoastartists.org.