Seth Fishman Memorial Scholarship
The Lasting Power of Art
May 2022
Seth Fishman’s work, spirit and legacy are living on in hearts, minds and the art that honors his talent and time at Palm Beach State in the 1970s. In April 2022, the Seth Fishman Memorial Scholarship was introduced at the Seth Fishman Life and Works Celebration, an intimate gathering of family and friends at PBSC’s Lake Worth campus.
Tragically losing his life at age 20 and a week before graduation, Seth had impressed
his professors, including Watson Duncan, for whom PBSC’s Lake Worth theatre is named.
Adjacent to the Duncan Theatre is Stage West, a student-centered performance space
that now houses Seth’s original work: drawings, paintings and sculptures, many of
which have now been digitized.
Michael, Seth’s brother, recalled how the emotion of Seth’s artwork truly never left him though it also brought pain having it on display. Over time, Michael considered Seth’s finished and unfinished pieces, driven to do something with the drawings and creations that defined his brother’s gift. Eventually, Michael connected with Palm Beach State, which provided a path at the time for Seth and his passion.
During the brief yet meaningful ceremony, Seth’s mother sat in quiet appreciation while his father expressed his gratitude for his son’s recognition, filling the room with a heartfelt sentiment. “Seth’s life lives beyond any of us here today.”
(From L to R, David Rutherford, Herbert Fishman, Michell Aldas-Ricks, June Krystof, Michael Fishman, Robert Fishman and Dean Richard White)
The Fishman family explored the idea for a scholarship in Seth’s name in 2019. Since then, Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Richard White has been instrumental in helping Seth’s art live on through his scholarship, reminding everyone that this is what art does; it connects us to others.
Outside the Humanities art studio, five pieces adorn the spotlighted wall in orderly columns, a dynamic contrast to the broad, freeform style of Seth’s brushstrokes and sketches, sparking reminiscence of a time gone by, namely Seth’s youth.
In the quiet of the hallway, brother Michael provided narration for a few guests,
recalling the influences of Seth’s own version of expressionism. “It was the 1970s
and Seth’s art reflected his life, with him driving that Volkswagen bug around Delray
Beach, listening to The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper and Frampton Comes Alive, the biggest
album of the time.”
The moment had Seth’s art doing what it did then – launching conversation and contemplation of the art, music and emotions of a time that touched our lives – Seth’s then and, thanks to his art, ours now.
After decades of living in silent storage, Seth’s art is now on display, his work and legacy there to inspire, be enjoyed and simply make us smile the same way he did. Just as all creativity starts in someone’s mind, we get to experience Seth’s all these years later through the lasting power of art.
The Seth Fishman Memorial Scholarship is open to full-time and part-time students enrolled in PBSC's Visual Arts program at the Lake Worth campus. PBSC Humanities professors Victoria Martin and Kristin Miller have selected the scholarship's first two recipients: Michell Aldas-Ricks and Scharie Flores.
To make a gift by check, please make payable to Palm Beach State College Foundation and mail to the address below.
Please note the name of the scholarship on your check.
Palm Beach State College Foundation
640 Clematis St., Unit 278
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-5306
