“Everybody loves somebody sometimes. Bum bum bum bum,” are lyrics from the song by Dean Martin that my grandpa, Popaw, and I sung together in an off-tune pitch. My Popaw was a saint and my biggest cheerleader growing up, and he encouraged my artistic creativity more than anyone. He always said that he was going to be my manager when I became a big and famous artist. Often Popaw would embarrassingly show pictures on his flip phone of his talented grandchild’s doodles to any and everyone who was willing to look. He was so proud and encouraged me adamantly to pursue art school. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was 16, and never got to see the person and artist I am today, but I am sure he is looking down on me with a big smile.
I attended art school at Bowling Green State University (Ohio) where I majored in Studio Art with a focus on drawing, painting, and printmaking. During my junior year of undergrad, I held a summer internship at my local art center, the Mansfield Art Center (MAC), where I served as an outreach art teacher to vulnerable youth in the Mansfield community. This opportunity changed the trajectory of my career. Following the internship and undergraduate graduation I accepted a full-time offer at the Mansfield Art Center working in grants and outreach. During my two years at the MAC, I created multiple outreach art programs tailored toward vulnerable individuals and homeless youth. The experiences I gained from the Mansfield Art Center ignited my dedication to making visual art accessible to all.
While at the MAC, I wanted to build on the skills and knowledge of my undergraduate program and pursue a master’s degree. Doing some research online I came across the Bolz Center for Arts Administration. Following my acceptance, I came to visit and fell in love with the staff and the Madison community. Continuing my education here was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
As I reflect on my time at UW-Madison, I am thankful for not only the high-quality education I am receiving that is preparing me to be a future arts leader but also for the family and experiences that I have gained. Through my program, I received a placement through the Chazen Museum of Art, which allowed me the opportunity to create programs in a new and unique way. In addition, I also teach classes at Monroe Street Arts Center, and through my first-place finish in the Arts Business Competition I now teach tufting classes at Wheelhouse Studios in UW-Madison’s Memorial Union.
Following graduation, I intend to pursue a career in development to continue fighting and advocating for funding and equal access to the arts. I am extremely grateful to the Bolz Center for Arts Administration, and I am eager to see what the future holds for me.
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