“I fell in love with being creative and making art especially in such a great environment that the art department creates.”
Originally planning on only a major in Environmental Studies, Rose has also been able to direct her passion for the environment in creative ways through the Art and Art History Department. She is specifically interested in green architecture and sustainable design, and has appreciated the opportunities within the department to channel these interests. She especially appreciated her Drawing II class with Professor Kris Lowe, in which students took time to observe plants and draw inspiration from them, as well as having opportunities to participate in outdoor class periods. She enjoys the atmosphere within the Art and Art History Department, which she describes as “very encouraging”. She says “Although being in a studio art class can be daunting for most students, and for me as well, I find that by the end of the class most of the students enjoy creating/learning and have connected what they make to their personal life or interests”. Rose has also appreciated opportunities to take field trips through the department, as well as the department’s celebration of student and faculty artwork, which is often showcased in the Shaeffer Art Gallery and the Hillstrom Museum. The Art and Art History department and the faculty within it have been important influences in Rose’s time at Gustavus due to their unconditional support and encouragement, and the department has given her resources to help set her on a career path. Outside of academics, Rose is also involved on campus with Club Tennis, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Handbells.