Jenna King (Class of 2027)
Blogger Role: Ceramics
Major: 3D Studio Art
Minor: Ceramics
Clubs: MUSATA (Treasurer)
I chose Marywood because, at the time I was looking to apply to college, I was interested in the Art Therapy program and the ability to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees in the same university. Beyond that, Marywood offered everything I wanted in a college: a beautiful and walkable campus, comfortable living spaces, non-communal dorm bathrooms, small class sizes, a supportive Art department, a perfect distance from home, and the ability to have my car on campus.
I am majoring in Art because I couldn’t imagine studying anything else. Art has always been my biggest passion in so many different ways. Everything I love to do is in some way creative. It’s truly a blessing to be able to spend so much time learning about things I love and getting to share thoughts and ideas with my peers and professors. Art is an escape from the stressors of everyday life and allows me to navigate my thoughts.
When I’m not in class, there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll be in the ceramics studio or my bed. Having my own space in the ceramics studio is the best and allows me to zone into what I’m doing. Without this space, I think I would have a harder time being productive. When I’m not in the studio, I’m probably in my bed listening to music or a podcast and scrolling through Pinterest, online shopping, or hyper-fixating on something else on my iPad.
So far, my favorite art class at Marywood was Ceramics I with Mark Chuck. I’ve always been on the fence about ceramics, and an 8:30 am class time only encouraged my preconceptions, but my thoughts changed very quickly. I had some idea of how to hand build, but I had never thrown on the wheel before. The second I got on the wheel, I never turned back. Mark structured the course with exploration in mind, allowing me to learn and progress exponentially while still providing important foundation and safety knowledge. Mark is one of the most encouraging professors I’ve had at Marywood and is a huge reason why I felt comfortable exploring a medium that was intimidating for me. I have nothing but the greatest things to say about this course – it forever changed me as an artist.
The coolest thing I’ve done at Marywood so far was having my work featured in several exhibitions. In the Spring of 2024, two pieces from my Three Dimensional Design class were displayed in a sculpture exhibition titled Beyond the Board in the Kresge Gallery. Another piece from the same class was showcased later that year at the Foundation Year Exhibition, also held in the Kresge Gallery. Seeing my finished work displayed alongside pieces from faculty and peers was an incredibly rewarding and full-circle moment.
When I graduate, I’m not entirely sure where I’ll be. I have plenty of ideas for the long term, but the short term is more complicated. My ultimate goal is to be stable solely by selling my art, though building stability in that area can take time. I can also see myself making movie props, teaching art classes in senior living communities, or even opening a community art space. These are pretty diverse and ambitious goals, but I still have lots of time to hone in on what is calling me. As for where I’ll be living, that’s still a big aspect of the equation that’s up in the air. I might stay in Pennsylvania with my roommate, move back home to Long Island with my parents, or venture to Maryland to be near my sister and niece, all very different and complicate my plans. In the short term, my main focus will be securing a stable job, creating art, and learning more about myself as an artist and in general as I navigate my post-grad life.
I recommend the art program at Marywood because it offers endless opportunities and connections and introduces you to extremely talented and knowledgeable faculty members. Moreover, everyone is so supportive and encouraging. There will always be someone in your corner.