"I get charcoal under my fingernails; I watch a bunch of experimental films in the library or on YouTube (contemporary art is everywhere). Experimentation and mistakes are encouraged!"
- Shirley

Above and below: Shirley studying The Spirit of Barcelona during Wintersession

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FAVORITE COURSE: Advanced Drawing (ARTS 314): Professor Daniela Rivera is a phenomenal teacher. She’s encouraging and demanding and very personable. I also like how each student gets her own studio space and, at the end, we put on a show in the Jewett Gallery.

YOUR PERSPECTIVES ON ACADEMICS: What I love about my Studio Art major: the charcoal I get under my fingernails; the fact I can use YouTube, Wikipedia, and Google as genuine research tools; the process of trial and error plus so much more. Because we’re a small department, we get more attention, less competition and posing. I also love that I have the opportunity to make friends with people outside the Art Department – such as in the sciences and English. I could not do that at an art school.

The Davis Museum’s cool and exciting exhibition “Global Feminisms” and always well-rounded and exclusive permanent collection makes staying connected to the art community fun, easy, and affordable.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING - WINTERSESSION: The Spirit of Barcelona (SPAN 258) with Carlos Ramos during Wintersession was my first excursion to Europe. We stayed with host families and made trips to museums and performances every day. This Wellesley program proved advantageous in all respects: costs, accommodation, and safety.

FUN FACT: Olin College of Engineering and Babson College exist. People talk about Wellesley’s connection to MIT and Harvard, but these other two schools are just a five-minute drive away; they host some very excellent parties with people just as cool.

DREAM JOB: I want to be a professional artist/designer. I want to draw buildings, sculpt, make clothing, design furniture, create a graphic novel, write a book, paint on public spaces, do a performance piece, improve, play in a band, take photos for an indie magazine, host a podcast, create a community art space, teach at the undergraduate level, at a retirement home…so many things.