Meet Student Ambassador Brigitte Errickson

Student Ambassasor Brigitte Errickson, a Fine Art major from Changewater, NJ, and the Warren County Technical School, laughs out load at almost anything. “I am very easily amused. I absolutely adore puns and wordplay.”

As she was searching for colleges, PCA&D was the only college she looked at that was specifically an art school, and she liked how focused it was. “I also was really attracted to the small size, and I really like that I can get the help I need in class.”

Work by Brigitte Errickson

Errickson says, “Being a student ambassador means being able to encourage developing artists to find the right school for them, being able to share my experiences and answer questions and meet new people.”

What words of wisdom would you share with a prospective student?

I feel like I’m not very wise, but sleep and socialization should not just be shoved under the bus to make room for grades. For sure, it’s good to try hard and put in effort, but it’s more important in the long run not to run your body into the ground. I definitely prioritize grades higher than I should, but I’m trying to remember that these things are really important too.

How would you describe Lancaster and what tips would you share about the city? What surprised you the most about Lancaster and why?

Lancaster is a city that is almost a town. It’s really compact, full of interesting stores, places to eat, and things to see. I’m always surprised by all the places that fit into the city, and how many parks and house-like homes there are. Also if you’re okay with walking a bit you can find some decent, free parking a handful of blocks away from PCAD which is awesome.

When giving a tour what is one thing you are sure to show them?

I always love to show off the print lab, there are so many different processes you can do in that room and I enjoy having access to it.

Share about an experience that impacted your understanding of the creative industry.

The fine art field trips have really impacted my understanding of the creative industry. They take us out into galleries and artist co-ops to give us an understanding of how things work, it’s great.

Work by Brigitte Errickson

Thinking back on your entire experience here at PCA&D, which professor impacted you the most- how/why?

Becky Blosser really impacted me and my art, she pushed me to not just settle on the first idea I came up with when making a piece, to keep brainstorming and modifying. It really helped me develop my art and has influenced my current pieces as well.

When were you inspired by another student?

I feel like I’m inspired by other students fairly regularly, but one time specifically in drawing class I was trying to complete an assignment for drawing class and could not find a solution for the final piece so I asked for suggestions from my classmates and Sara suggested I could cut and sew it back together, which inspired me to make a hanging sculpture out of the piece.

What non-classroom activity/event/whatever from your years at PCA&D will you always remember?

I will always remember the night of the opening of Pictures and Poems, a student-curated event, because I had such a good time talking with students.

What surprised you the most about PCA&D?

People really scared me at first and then I was super surprised to find that anyone I talked to was totally fine with me approaching them. Everyone is so pleasant, like, yeah, school is really tough and tiring, but we’re all in the same boat and encourage each other.

What single tip would you tell an incoming student?

It’s okay to make mistakes, and school is one of the safest places to do that. You have an encouraging environment with people around to help you find solutions and push you forward. Effort is sometimes more important than the end result, turning in unsuccessful art, or any assignment, is better than not turning in anything.

Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of the college. They work with the admissions department where they serve as guides for prospective students and their parents, art teachers, and guidance counselors. Student Ambassadors attend each PCA&D open house event, provide important insight into the creative environment afforded to students in our degree programs and create an important link to prospective students who want to be part of the PCA&D community. Learn more.