Post-Grad life leads me to Denver as a graphic designer for a non-profit

As I was approaching graduation day last May, I was still unsure about what my post-college life  would look like. I was faced with what most college grads feel: worry. Little did I know, a plan was unfolding, guiding me to an unexpected city.

When reflecting on where I wanted to go after graduation, I kept feeling drawn to Denver. Now, I'm from Boston, so Denver is not only far away, but quite different from the quaint New England town I was used to. I couldn't understand why Denver when I had built up a list for why not Denver.

My cat, Jack, taking over my "studio" (I just have a desk set up in the basement for now). 

Once I chose to dive into something new, my cousin told me about a potential marketing internship opening up with the non-profit organization she works for in Denver. One thing led to another, and voila! I had myself a marketing internship with Adventure Unlimited as a graphic designer. 

Two months flew by. I found a cozy townhouse with two friends from school (actually, the townhouse and friends found me, but that's a different story), I found family and friends nearby, and my cat, Jack, quickly felt at home. Everything was perfect, except for the fact that I was still unsure of a steady income as my internship approached its end. 

To my surprise, just two weeks before my end date, one of the full time graphic designers decided to move on to something new, leaving a full time position open. I jumped at the opportunity to apply and within a week, I was hired. I couldn't believe it. Four months post-graduation and I found myself in a full time position for an organization I love, doing one of the many things I love.

I am happy to announce that I am a graphic designer and the social media manager for Adventure Unlimited, a Christian Science organization which offers year-round activities, bringing the community together for inspiration, friendship and fun, "Opening Windows to God." 

Now, the trick is to balance a full time job and my developing art career! I can do this! Please pardon the slow output of artwork as I adjust into this new life. :)

Senior Art Exhibit - Success!

This past Friday (April 22), Principia College's Maybeck Gallery held the Senior Art Exhibit's opening reception, welcoming numbers of visitors to observe the diverse artwork of Principia's seven art majors. The exhibit displays a variety of artwork, including printmaking, textiles, photography, resin, web design, gouache, watercolor and oil paint. I featured eleven pieces I've been working on this past school year, focusing mainly on figure painting, specifically portraiture. 

All of my work is in the first gallery of the exhibit, except one, "Weaving Serenity", which is hung on the wall you first see as you enter the second gallery. I shared the first gallery with artist, Savannah Switzer, who displayed double exposure photography and resin work, all including a model, sharing my interest in the figure. The second gallery included Alaina Carlson's detailed, hand-drawn, floral lettering, Amanda Milhous' printmaking and wooden box sculpture promoting sustainability, Hanne Anderson's colorful oil paintings, Sentongo Falukh's website for Principia's rugby team, and Sage Stafford's textile work.

The seniors all worked hard to prepare the gallery space, the artwork, and welcoming of the guests! We provided snacks, deserts, and fruit for our dear guests to feel at home amongst all of our artwork. Each artist stood within his or her area, available for any visitor to pose questions or general conversation. All of the hard work that went into making this exhibit happen felt well worth it after hearing all of the appreciation from the gallery's visitors.

I look forward to seeing where my artwork takes me! 

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The senior head shots with each artist's materials on display in the first gallery. 

Artist of Many Talents - Choreography in PC's Dance Production

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"Here", choreographed by Elisabeth Ann White. Photo taken by Emelie Fredrikson. Dancers left to right: Britteni, Sami, Beth, Olivia (behind Beth), Kyrie, Tessa

Not only am I a painter, photographer, and graphic designer, but I am also a dancer. For my last year in Principia College's annual Dance Production, a dance I had choreographed was chosen to be included amongst some other student-choreographed pieces. I had to go through the whole process of leading an audition, casting, running rehearsals, and designing costumes and lighting.

My dance is titled "Here", to a cello cover of Sam Smith's "Lay Me Down" by Nicolas Yee. It consists of six dancers (myself included) who start sharing their own monologue to share their feeling of loneliness, agony, or searching. As they dance on, they find that the people around them are feeling the same way and some are there to support them. The message I aimed to convey is that love is all around. It seems that a lot of people go about their day feeling like they are all alone, especially in times of needed comfort, but when we look beyond ourselves, we notice that those around us may be feeling the same way, and most are ready to reach out and support others.

I find that most people are in search of love and comfort within their lives. My dance was to show that this love and comfort is already present, surrounding us all. Sometimes we just need to look outside of ourselves to see it. 

"Here", choreographed by Elisabeth Ann White, to Nicholas Yee's cello cover of "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith. Performed March 31, April 1 and 2, 2016.

Dancers: Elisabeth Ann White, Tessa Miller, Olivia Adams, Sami Corbitt, Britteni Kayser, and Kyrie Vesely.

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Posed monologues from "Here". Photo taken by Emelie Fredrikson. Dancers left to right: Tessa, Kyrie, Elisabeth, Sami, Britteni, Olivia

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A moment from "Here". Dancer: Elisabeth.

Artwork on Display in Illinois Board of Higher Education Offices

In January, I entered five of my paintings in an art contest run by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). All five got chosen to be on display in their offices for the next year!