After graduating from URI in 2017 with an Art BFA, Erica O’Connell attended Naropa University. She received a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and art therapy in 2020. She is now an art therapist and mental health clinician for a community based mental health agency. 

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

A. It prepared me by paving the path to graduate school and gave me a variety of skills so I felt prepared for what was ahead. 

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

The value of the arts is exponential. I have the honor of using art to promote healing in therapy and it is a special tool that opens up a multitude of avenues for a person’s wellbeing.

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

Art is something that is a lifelong journey. It is important to have the tools to express, however your expression takes form — whether it is through art or a different way. Art is expansive and continues to expand, there is no need to stay in the box of what an artist is expected to be and create.