Paige Owings (Class of 2019)
Blogger Role: Art History
Major: Art Therapy
Minor: Art History & Psychology
I chose Marywood because it is one of the few schools that offers a Bachelor’s and a Master’s program in art therapy (and now a 5yr BA2MA track!). However, what sets Marywood apart from other schools that have the major is their extensive studio arts program, the great studio spaces, and the professors that run them.
I am majoring in Art because I believe self-expression is one of the greatest joys in life. Learning different processes ranging from ceramics to figure drawing has expanded my ability to express myself creatively, and I find the processes of art making to be innately therapeutic.
When I’m not in class, I’m usually in the studio, sleeping, and/or eating (the basics). During breaks and on the weekends, you can find me somewhere outside. I enjoy taking long walks outdoors when it’s nice out. I’m an introvert, so you’re more likely to see me in the woods by myself than in a large group of people, but I do have a few special people in my life who are great influences and who always push me to do better and constantly grow.
My favorite art class so far was definitely basic ceramics. Matt Povse was my instructor, who unfortunately retired, but he pushed me to do new things with clay that I had not before, or that I was afraid to do. All throughout high school I absolutely hated throwing on the wheel–I was my own worst enemy–but Matt helped me to create some pieces I was very proud of. I feel that I had created the most successful pieces out of all of my classes in this course. I’m looking forward to taking more ceramics classes, but it just won’t be the same without Matt!
The coolest thing I’ve done at Marywood so far was a large-scale non-objective painting project that was split up into eight canvases hung together. I had a personal connection to the piece, and getting to work large-scale was something I had always wanted to do but had not done before. Currently, I’m also working on building a Marcel Duchamp-inspired stool as well as a life-sized bust that I am in the midst of sculpting out of clay. So far I’m very proud of both of these pieces, and I’m sure there will be a blog post about each when they are done!
When I graduate I am not quite sure where I will end up! With a career such as art therapy, it is important to gain exposure to all different types and age groups of people before making a decision. I am taking an internship class this fall that will hopefully give me a better idea of where I will end up, but for now, I am keeping an open mind!
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because its Department of Visual Arts is not an afterthought or add-on as it was at many schools I have visited. The arts program at Marywood is a cornerstone to the university, and it is treated as such. The arts faculty are all incredibly talented and experienced and only want to see their students succeed. At Marywood, I feel like part of a family, and that’s a unique experience to feel.