In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The community! There are so many opportunities to collaborate with other students. All the professors are welcoming and encouraging but also push you to challenge yourself.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Take a class! The art department has a lot of introductory courses in a variety of media that don’t require any prior experience. Or, if taking a class seems too big of a step, stop by the Fine Arts Building for an exhibition or show of student work, enjoy great art, meet some faculty and students, and get a better sense of what the department is like.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing that I’ve learned is how to problem solve. The courses I’ve taken in the art department have each helped me build technical and creative skills that I can use to take on any project. I’ve learned that being unfamiliar with a material, process, or concept does not mean I am unable to work with it!

What has been your favorite class at K?
Intermediate Painting. I felt like that was the class where I really started to feel more like an artist, not just an art student. The assignments were more open ended, helping me explore my own interests through painting.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
The open curriculum format makes it easy to explore new interests. Since freshman year I’ve been able to try courses in different departments. For example, just recently I got involved with the theatre, and I’ve also found that I really enjoy taking religion and history classes, even though all of those are departments outside of my major and minor.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
The summer after my sophomore year I was the Exhibit Technician intern for a K alum up at Mackinac State Historic Parks, which was an amazing opportunity. During the school year, I’ve been playing percussion in K’s Academy Street Winds ensemble since freshman year. I also love being in the student org Crochet Club, which I’ll be the president for as a senior.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I want to do some sort of hands on studio-related work after I graduate. I would love to work in exhibit design, in a scene shop for a theatre, in a custom fabrication studio, or something along those lines. I’m still figuring it out!

What is a random fun fact about you?
I only wear one contact. My right eye has a prescription but my left eye doesn’t.

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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The best thing about the department is how small and close knit it is.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
I would advise anyone interested in the department to come out and get involved in the many events and receptions.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I learned at K was to advocate for myself and ask for help.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class has been Representation of the Other because we really focused on art outside the standard curriculum you see at any other institution.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have gotten to explore so many different paths before finding my perfect fit in what I want to study.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I love working with the community through my work study at El Sol Elementary and through summer outreach programs.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is “art with a Lowercase A: Exploring Graffiti and its Representation of Kalamazoo.”

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My current career aspirations are to work in communities like Kalamazoo.

Generally speaking, what is your favorite thing about K?
I love how many programs and student activities are offered at K.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I study languages for fun.