Art by Wilma K.
In May 2015, I received my B.A. in Art and Religious Studies and completed a minor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Mount Union. When I was young, I loved creating art and I knew I wanted to be an artist someday. I created art throughout my childhood and teenage years, and decided to go to the University of Mount Union to refine my skills in art. After much practice, I participated in Mount Union’s student art exhibits, including the senior exhibit, and competed at the AICUO EVAs (state level college competition).
During my senior year, I realized that I wanted to do more than create art. I became interested in pursuing a Masters in Arts Administration after my internship with Arts in Stark the summer of 2014. At Arts in Stark, I helped coordinate the organization's first arts festival in Alliance, Ohio for their 20/20 Project. Through my experience with Arts in Stark, I worked with community partners such as the University of Mount Union, the City of Alliance, local artists and citizens from the Alliance community. While organizing the festival I observed how the arts exposure positively impacted the downtown Alliance community. It was the defining moment when I knew I wanted to work behind the scenes to help the arts thrive and promote community revitalization. After my first year in the Arts Administration program at the University of Akron, I became involved in a summer art program called the Art Bomb Brigade in June 2016. The program's goal was to create amazing public art throughout neighborhoods across Akron that can inspire creative and invigorating "placemaking" throughout Akron, Ohio. It was a humbling and educational experience. It motivated me to create and bring art into cities and neighborhoods that can utilize the creative space, and encourage revitalization efforts within the community. With a Masters in Arts Administration, I hope that I can help bring the arts into communities that can benefit from a creative positive change. |