Major: Art
Hometown: North Kingstown, RI
Q. What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
A. The adaptability and enthusiasm of my professors has made my experience at the College of Arts and Sciences unique. Whether taking classes online or in person, I have been encouraged to experiment. I was pushed to branch out artistically, which helped me develop a variety of skillsets I otherwise wouldn’t have pursued. I never would have discovered how much I love mixed media—such as combining illustration and photography together—without taking Digital Photography classes with Professor Annu Matthew.
What accomplishments and/or activities at URI are you most proud of now?
I am very grateful I was awarded the Bart Parker Endowed Scholarship in Photography, especially since the work I submitted for it was created during the pandemic where I had limited resources. I am also proud that I have experimented using different materials in Sculpture classes with Professor Ben Anderson. I never knew how much I enjoyed sculpture until attending URI and I plan on learning more about it for the rest of my artistic career.
What research projects, internships, experiential learning, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI?
This semester I have been working with Professor Ben Anderson on two projects relating to sculpture. I obtained the (URI)2 Undergraduate Research Grant by exploring the sculptural figurines of Ancient Cycladic work. This project involves woodworking, which is a skillset I have been wanting to pursue for a very long time. I am also doing an internship with Professor Anderson that involves creating recipes for ceramic glazes. Learning both ceramic and woodworking firsthand has been invaluable for me. It also has enhanced my illustrative skills since I now can create compelling pieces both on paper and three-dimensionally.
What do you value about your liberal arts education?
What I value most about my liberal arts education is how it continually challenges my mind and skillsets. Between the formal critiques in class and the amazing feedback I receive from my talented classmates, I have grown so much as an artist. I have been shown both the creative and practical side of my degree, which make my future goals and aspirations seem plausible. My degree has been a tool that has helped me hone my critical thinking skills and teamwork abilities. I have been blessed with many opportunities since attending URI and many of them would not have been possible if I hadn’t pushed myself to continue taking creative risks and questioning why I chose this degree in the first place.
What have been some highlights of your time in the Art department?
One Art department project I created was a design for the Dean, Jeannette E. Riley’s 2021 holiday card. I collaborated with Professors Annu Matthew and Clarisa Carubin. This project highlighted the importance of teamwork and communicating with clients. Also, working with classmates has been a highlight for me since we are all on the same page about helping each other bring our artwork to the next level. For example, I am taking the Senior Seminar course this semester, which in April will include our show at Hera Gallery in Wakefield, RI.
What’s next for you?
I have not decided whether I plan on earning my Masters of Fine Arts in the next couple of years because I first want to explore woodworking and carpentry on a more technical level. I also plan on studying the online world of art and creating a brand involving my illustrative work. I never want to stop learning about art regardless of where my B.F.A. degree takes me, which is why going to Italy and studying the art there is on my bucket list. I also plan on visiting as many art museums as I can with my family over the summer.