Marissa Nowak (Class of 2027)
Blogger Role: Art History
Major: Art Education
Minor: Art History, Ceramics
I chose Marywood because when I first toured at Marywood I really fell in love with the campus. My tour guide made an impression on me and was so incredibly nice. Everyone that I met had been really welcoming and it felt like a good atmosphere. What really sold me, though, was the art building. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of the Insalaco building. When I was visiting they had an underwater-themed exhibit going on in the Kresge gallery, and it looked magical just from walking in the front entrance. Then, when seeing all of the studios I loved the big windows and spaces. The trees surrounding were really peaceful looking too and I remember just thinking that I could see myself there. After that I was sure about choosing Marywood.
I am majoring in Art because throughout my life it was the one constant interest that I have had. Like all kids and teenagers, I bounced from hobby to hobby, but art was always the one thing that never changed for me. I can remember times all the way to kindergarten when I chose art over everything else. I vividly remember my kindergarten teacher scolding me because during our journal time I didn’t write anything. Instead I drew out what I wanted to journal in the space provided. Most kids wrote something and drew a little picture, but not me. I drew the entire time which definitely didn’t please my teacher, but looking back now, it makes me smile because I know I chose something to study that has been true to me since I was 6 years old. I continued to do art all the way through highschool, so when it came time to choose my major it was clear to me that it needed to be something involving art. I felt that I couldn’t go without it in my everyday life and I still feel this way. Maybe even more now.
When I’m not in class, I am most likely doing homework, watching a movie, journaling, hanging out with friends, or doing something creative.
So far, my favorite art class at Marywood was either 2D Design and Color or History of Art I. I really enjoyed 2D Design and Color because I was able to learn new techniques and styles of art while also being able to use my own creativity and style. I feel like it helped me in my personal expansion as an artist. It was amazing being able to learn about artists I most likely would not have discovered otherwise. I also was able to explore more mediums that I ended up really loving and continue to use now. I loved History of Art I because it really helped me to find my passion for art history. I felt so happy to learn about art in terms of its time period, artists, events leading to it, etc. Going to that class always felt exciting and not like a chore. Even studying for art history felt like a fun activity.
The coolest thing I’ve done at Marywood so far was the Art Department trips to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I got to see so many interesting pieces of art that I had studied in class, and I was also able to see things I have wanted to see since I learned about these museums. Being an art history minor I think I got a lot out of it, and it is really cool to me to be able to stand in front of such amazing pieces of art. Although it may not seem cool to others, it was really fun for me to be able to explore the museums and the big cities they are located in.
When I graduate I hope to fulfill my dream of becoming an art teacher so I can share what I love with others and maybe even inspire kids to pursue art. I also hope to continue my motivation to make my own art and keep my creativity flowing.
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because they have incredible professors with a wide range of experience. It feels that all of the professors in the art department genuinely want students to succeed and find their true calling.