After graduating in 1980 with an Art BFA, Christina (Estabrook) Allen received a Master of Art and Teaching from RISD in 1981. She has written 12 books and received 7 national book awards. She is now a professional artist, illustrator, micro-publisher, and organic farmer, and she owns Corn Crib Studio & Publishing company.

Q. How did your URI degree best prepare you for your career path?

A. My professors were always available to encourage my interests and skills. I was able to pursue many courses in different disciplines to give me a well-rounded liberal arts education. I was considering Medical Illustration when I started at URI, so this was important. I think fondly back to those formative years where I learned critical thinking and grew so much intellectually. I packed my schedule with as many classes as were allowed. I was hungry to learn everything I could. I put myself through college painting murals (many were around URI) and other jobs. I never took my education for granted. URI took my young unformed mind and let it soar. Thank you, URI.

In your opinion, what is the value of the arts both academically and in the community?

Every discipline needs the arts. The arts also demonstrate good design. The best scientists, engineers, teachers, and almost every profession is often better with creative, outside-the-box thinking. The old story of giving someone a fish or teaching them to catch fish applies here. URI taught me to think for myself. I was empowered to start my own businesses and create a rewarding life…not necessarily in dollars, but in quality of life. But early on I realized that if you do what you love, you will do better…and money often follows. And it is not work if you love it.

What advice would you give to current students or to young people thinking of pursuing a Fine Arts degree?

Learn as much as you can about the business side of being a professional artist. Ask you professors. Ask professional artists. Visit artists willing to share professional advice. Also, consider a back-up plan to pay the bills, if you must support yourself. (It could include going to graduate school for teaching.. or some other business related to your art.) But don’t let people tell you your art work isn’t worth pursuing. Keep at it; be persistent. If possible, always try to keep your primary energy focused on your creative work. Everything else should be your secondary or tertiary energies.