Meet Claire!
Name: Claire Little
Year you’ll be graduating: Class of 2021
Major: Art Therapy
Minor(s): Education and adding Art History soon
I am majoring in Art because believe it or not, I almost majored in Music Therapy instead of Art Therapy. Throughout high school I was about all things music. Band, choir, theater, you name it and I was probably in it. Art was always something I did for myself. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with anxiety. Art doesn’t have to be perfect and that’s how I first discovered art’s therapeutic qualities. Making art has gotten me through some of my most anxiety ridden moments. This has contributed very much to my decision of majoring in art therapy. I want to be able to share the healing properties of art with others because art has been healing for me in my own life.
The kinds of things that inspire me might sound cliche, but nature has always been something that inspires. I like to use organic shapes and imagery that represents movement in my work, so nature is a huge inspiration for me.
My favorite class so far was my painting 1 class wih Dennis. I love that I was able to explore my work and style on my own. This was also my first formal experience with oil paint; I didn’t think I would like it, but I actually really enjoyed it. The projects that we did allowed me to explore my style in oil, which as Dennis would call it, is more of a “dabbing” technique. Not very classical I know, But that’s what I loved about the class! I also have enjoyed all of my art therapy classes. I’ve learned so much about the field, and have a better understanding of what I want to do in the future.
When I’m not in class you can usually find me gallery watching in Shields. Or frequenting the library to satisfy my coffee addiction.
The coolest thing I’ve done so far at Marywood was becoming an Admissions Ambassador! I’m the only art major among the ambassadors currently so I love getting to meet in coming art majors. Since I’m a transfer, I also enjoy getting to meet perspective transfer students. I love being able to share my transfer experience with someone else who may be experiencing the same things that I did.
When I graduate I plan to come back to Marywood and acquire my Master’s Degree. After that? I hope to work as an art therapist in or with a school district. Teaching has always been my back up so maybe I’ll even substitute on the side.
I’d recommend the Art program at Marywood because I might be a little biased, but I transferred in the Fall of 2018 and the art program here at Marywood is much bigger than my previous school’s and the faculty is committed to helping their students advance both as students and as artists. I have had the opportunity here to explore so many different aspects of art making and how to better understand myself as an artist, as well as find my own personal style. I am so thankful to be able to continue my education here at Marywood and that we have such an amazing art program.
The best spot to be on campus is the third floor hallway of Insalaco, hands down. You can see most of campus and the mountains in the background. It’s beautiful anytime of day, but specifically at sunset. I recommend that everyone at least take a walk through that hallway regardless of what your major is.
