By Michael Ganci, Syntax for the Bronxville School

Jan. 5, 2022: Bronxville High School senior Grace Gramins has been named a 2022 YoungArts finalist in the category of voice/singer-songwriter, the organization’s highest honor. She is among 720 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country to receive the recognition.

“I love writing music and pouring my perspective into it to be presented through a different lens, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that YoungArts has given to me to foster growth as an artist,” Gramins said.

Gramins entered the competition with three original songs, “Back to You,” “Six” and “Don’t Wanna Lose More Than I Have Already,” which she wrote in the past year. Selected through the organization’s prestigious competition, winners are chosen for their caliber of artistic achievement by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process.

“I am so proud of the personal artistic growth that [my songs] encompass for me,” Gramins said. “I began writing music when I was 8 on the violin, and now that I have expanded my music composition to the piano, guitar and electric bass, I am so excited to continue exploring myself as an artist and what it means to be a creator in our world today.”

As a finalist, Gramins will participate in YoungArts Week+ in January, featuring virtual classes, workshops and mentorship from leading artists. She is also eligible to be nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In addition to monetary awards, all winners receive creative and professional development support and access to an online portal for YoungArts artists to connect, share their work and discover new opportunities.

This is Gramins’ third year as an award recipient, and her first year as a finalist. 

Photo courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District