Westmont Magazine Armstrong and the Arts

For 10 years, Richard Reed Armstrong served on the Westmont Art Center Steering Committee. One of the earliest members of this group, he worked to raise the funds needed to establish a home on campus for the art department. His efforts helped restore the old Deane School building to its original exterior appearance while creating Reynolds Gallery, art studios, and a classroom on the inside.

In honor of his many contributions to the arts at Westmont, the college and the Steering Committee have named a new endowed scholarship for art students in his honor. The Richard Reed Armstrong Scholarship will support talented artists whose academic achievements qualify them as President’s Scholars.

Executive Vice President Edward Birch notes, “The Armstrong Scholarship will make the financial difference for talented young artists who want to pursue their education at an outstanding independent college. The college is very pleased to match funds raised by the Art Center Steering Committee.”

Known in the Santa Barbara community for his involvement in the Music Academy of the West, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the Montecito Rotary Club, Mr. Armstrong served two terms on each of their boards.