Posted Friday October 11 2019 at 3:19 pm
in Open Door Gallery
I was born and raised in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. I have lived in Minnesota and New York City, and most recently I am returning from a few years in Jerusalem. I am currently in the Arts in Education program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the Ed.M class of 2020.
What are your favorite pastimes?
"I love to sing everything and anything — if you see me on the street, on campus, or in my home, I will likely be singing. I adore dancing, and find a lot of joy in cooking with and without recipes. I love being with friends and I like comfortable silence."
If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
"I would be Squirt — the small and playful sea turtle in Finding Nemo. Squirt and his community 'surfs' the East Australian Current — a stream of warm water that runs along the east coast of Australia. I like Squirt's adventurous spirit, and I share his love of swimming. I think that it would be a really beautiful life to travel in the tides of the South Pacific with my friends and family."
You are trapped on an island. What three items do you want to have with you?
"I would absolutely want to have a loved one with me, so I'll just pretend 'item' can also be a beloved human. Otherwise, I'd bring good books and a nice pillow."
Do you have any uncommon talents or quirks?
"Yes. I am really good at limbo — I always won at all of my friend's and family's bar and bat mitzvahs. I really love sweeping the floor, and folding laundry."
What brings you to VSA?
"I believe many paths brought me here. In my experience as a writer, dancer, and thinker — my artistic life has grounded me, connected me, and rooted me in this world. I believe with my full self that arts learning is a human right, and through my work experience in high schools and arts institutions, have explored many routes to make arts spaces more accessible. This year, I am thrilled to be able to learn from the important work and practices of VSA's work to promote relevant, exciting, and inclusive arts programming."
What are you doing during your fellowship?
"I'm a Gallery Fellow primarily supporting the work at the Open Door Gallery in Boston. I will be supporting the installation and curation of shows, opening and community events with the community and COOL Schools students, and will also help to manage social media and sales."
Posted Sunday October 06 2019 at 2:44 pm
in Education
Hello there! I'm Stephanie. I call Rochester, NY and Boston, MA home. I arrived in the city 11 years ago to pursue a graduate degree in Theatre Education at Emerson College. I grew roots in the Brighton area, and as a Theater and Dance teacher, spent much of my time collaborating with students, families and educators in Boston Public Schools. I am also a director, and have created devised and script performances with youth for different communities throughout Massachusetts. After eight years in the classroom, I find myself pivot-turning within new communities and organizations. I am currently a member of the Education Policy and Management cohort at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
What are your favorite pastimes?
"I listen to podcasts and watch documentaries, especially ones that focus on commentary, art and true crime. I love my kitchen because it gives me the space to cook, water my plants and bug my cat. My favorite long-weekend escape is Manhattan. If I can’t leave the city, you’ll find me at a sporting event. You might spot me in a crowd at a game because I’m still foolish enough to wear a NY jersey in New England (Go, Sabres!)."
If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
"Batman. I'm obsessed with Batman. The comic or animated series counts, right? I have a cat named after him (my cat companion is a beautifully strange, hairless, dark blue trouble-maker who can't hide his ears). I have a few tattoos depicting the characters from the franchise (the comedy/tragedy drama masks as Joker/Batman). Mark Hamill's version of the Joker in the animated series of Batman is superb."
You are trapped on an island. What three items do you want to have with you?
"Trapped?!?! I have water to soothe me, so that’s a plus. I'll need to communicate through painting or drawing, so I'd appreciate watercolors or pencils. I have a canvas pouch filled with mementos I've collected to commemorate time spent with someone special, so I'd like to keep that close to me. I could probably survive on pizza Goldfish crackers."
Do you have any uncommon talents or quirks?
"I have a warped sense of humor, and I snort when I laugh at something really hilarious. My Buffalo chicken tenders are on point."
What brings you to VSA?
"The VSA has turned up in many different aspects of my life. I have leaned on people here and have been introduced to invaluable colleagues I consider friends and family in arts and education circles. Programs at the VSA helped bridge gaps in my professional practice as a teacher. I wouldn’t be where I am today as an advocate without the support of this organization."
What are you doing during your fellowship?
"I am an Education Fellow and will work with teaching artists and the COOL Schools program to provide professional development and curriculum support. I want to capture quantitative and qualitative data to support how we assess arts integration, quality arts instruction and if we are doing enough to support collaboration with teaching artists and teachers in school settings. I ultimately want to provide stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels with recommendations for funding to sustain the VSA, and other organizations, that provides full access to the arts and culture to people of all abilities and supports active citizenship through
universally-designed lenses."
Posted Wednesday June 12 2019 at 8:22 pm
in News
Hi, I'm Emma! I'm originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but I've lived in Boston for the past two years. I'm a rising junior in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, majoring in applied psychology and human development.
What are your favorite pastimes?
"I love to sing; I've been in choir since middle school, and currently perform with the University Chorale of Boston College! Singing classical music for a modern audience is a unique challenge, but it's incredible to know that so many people have performed the same piece before you and that people will continue to sing it long after you're gone. Being a part of that continuity is an amazing feeling. I also love video games, reading anything I can get my hands on, and spending time with my family."
If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
"Definitely Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender. She's strong, smart, and sassy, and she cares deeply for her friends. Also, having the ability to control water would be pretty cool!"
You are trapped on an island. What three items do you want to have with you?
"All seven Harry Potter books, a comfy bed, and my mom (for a great conversation partner in between re-reads.)"
Do you have any uncommon talents or quirks?
"I wear mismatched socks on purpose, but hate it if the rest of my clothes aren’t folded or hung up neatly. I rode horses for eleven years and used to own a horse named Miles. I also tend to overuse exclamation points in everything I write!"
What brings you to VSA?
"I learned about VSA through volunteering with the Boston College Campus School, one of VSA's COOL Schools partners. I strongly believe that the arts benefit everybody, and that people of every age and ability deserve access to spaces where they can be creative. I’m very lucky to have found a place where I can gain practical job experience while also encouraging inclusive participation in the arts."
What are you doing during your internship?
"I'm doing a bit of everything - learning about nonprofit management, posting on social media, and working with the COOL Schools program!"
