Fine Arts with Caitlin

Transcript

Okay, everyone let’s head over to Ball Hall and meet Caitlin. She’s a senior getting her bachelor of fine arts here at ETSU And she’s gonna talk to us about the incredible art programs here at the university along with a cool story of a local mural project She was commissioned to design and paint right here in Johnson City. Okay Caitlin, it’s all yours.

– Hi everyone. When I was in high school, I always knew I wanted to go to college, but not sure where to go. Once I visited ETSU, I knew this was the place for me. From the beautiful campus to the sense of home in a small town. I knew I wanted to enroll in an art program that supported me in a various mediums such as painting, drawing, or even graphic design.

The ETSU art department provided me with the freedom and flexibility to explore a wide variety of art. This helped me choose my various passions within their art program. I chose ETSU because I did not want to just color inside the lines. I wanted to be able to paint, draw, illustrate and create my own. During my junior year, I fell in love with graphic design. Not only was I passionate about this, but my interest grew as I took more and more classes.

As a freshman I was intimidated by the idea of digital artwork but with the help of my professors I grew the knowledge to choose this path. One of the biggest questions as a student in college, especially in art student, is how I transitioned from the classroom to my career field. My professors gave me the knowledge and support to branch out as a senior from the classroom to the real world. Because of this, I was confident in creating my very own mural for my community.

At ETSU my professors provided me with a foundation for working with future potential clients after I graduate. Although my main interest in coming to ATSU was for the amazing art program, I also fell in love with the Johnson City community and area. Johnson City has such a supportive art community that its recent mission was to promote public art throughout the town. A contest was promoted for local artists to send in ideas and designs that would be made into a mural to represent what this beautiful town has to offer.

Using the skills I had learned as a student I curated an original design that incorporated every aspect of this community That meant so much to me. After I entered the contest, I was happily surprised to find out that my design have been chosen to be on display at the mall of Johnson City. The mural includes a wide range of images depicting all of my favorite spots in town including Founders’ Park, downtown JC and my favorite the Carillon Bell Tower at ETSU.

As a high school student I left my hometown knowing I was leaving for college but what I didn’t know is that I was about to immerse myself in such a great community. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

Caitlin, thank you for taking us through your experiences as an art student here at ETSU. Your story about how you evolved as an artist and the opportunities that have risen from your education here is phenomenal. A big congrats to all your wonderful accomplishments. Thanks again, Caitlin.