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Part III: Insights from PCA&D students

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Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

The current exhibition in PCA&D’s Main Gallery, Selected Artworks from the BFA Program at PCA&D, features a selection of outstanding artwork created by three dozen of our rising junior and senior BFA students. A wide variety of media are represented including digital and hand-painted illustration, sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography and graphic design.

The exhibit runs through July 21. Summer Hours for PCA&D’s Main Gallery are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open First Friday until 8 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Opening Reception: First Friday, July 7, 5 -8 p.m.  See a preview slide show of the work in the exhibit

This is the third in a series of posts where PCA&D students talk about their art, inspirations and influences, and thoughts about their education. Today  several students share their thoughts about their experience at PCA&D and their plans for the future. 

What do you value most about your PCA&D experience this past year?

Work by Shealyn Oto.

Work by Shealyn Oto.

 

Shealyn Oto, Fine Art, Junior, Northumberland, PA

Originally, my major was Digital Media. I thought that I could be happy and secure in my abilities there, but I found myself growing increasingly unhappy. I felt like I didn’t fit in among my peers, I wasn’t creating work that I felt matched my capabilities, and I struggled to find value in my work. That’s why I made the transition into the Fine Arts, and I don’t regret that decision. I’ll admit that I was terrified when I first joined. I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t know if I would excel. However, when I finally began opening up, I felt like I was finally doing work that I was passionate about, and in mediums that I was comfortable with. But most importantly, I felt like I had a place among my peers. The people who surrounded me were kind and helpful, and I’ve learned so much from them.

Michaela Robertson, Photography Junior, Hershey, PA

I’m honestly very grateful for how hard Eric Weeks and the other photography professors push us. Sure there were some hard weeks during our sophomore year, but we all have grown so much because of it. Sometimes Eric can seem a little crazy or wacky but there’s always a method to his madness.

 Chris Morris, Digital Media, Junior, Bear DE

This past year being my sophomore year at PCA&D, I’ve begun my Digital Media-specific coursework, and it has truly been a blast.  Between developing a visual story, coding in Python, and learning sound design, this year has provided me the tools I will need moving forward into my junior year, which I am beyond excited for.  Also, this past year we formed the PCA&D SIGGRAPH, a student organization dedicated to the realm of digital media from which I have grown so much.

Antoinette Troller, Illustration, Junior, Effort PA

I really liked the more traditional classes that I had because in my next two years I noticed a shift from traditional mediums to more digitally focused courses. I feel like I really learned a lot with hands on mediums so that is something I will always value.

 

work by Cathrine Spengler.

Work by Cathrine Spengler.

Cathrine Spengler, Graphic Design, Junior, Lancaster PA

The critique. I learn a lot about the process of other students and I apply it on my own future projects.

 

What would you like to be doing five years from now?

Devon Forst, Illustration, Senior, Dysart PA

Five years from now, I would very much like to have at least one foot in the “working illustrator” pool! My main loves at the moment are character designs and children’s books, so I’m excited to see what those avenues may have to offer once I’m graduated. I would be honored to have the chance to impact other young artists & creatives with my work, just as I was inspired as a kid.

Thomas White, Fine Art, Senior, York PA

Five years from now, I will like to be continuing my education while creating.

Brigitte Errickson, Fine Art, Junior, Changewater NJ

I think that in five years I’d like to be working in public art. I’d like to be a part of making art accessible to anyone and everyone.

Cathrine Spengler, Graphic Design, Junior, Lancaster PA

Have my own design firm.

Julya Nichols, Photography, Senior, Parkesburg PA

Five years from now I would love to be working on my personal work still and seeing them hung in different galleries around the USA or the world in general. I hope to be working in a photography studio or a gallery