"Over the summer, I had the opportunity to assist Dan Callis through the Borgeson Artist in Residence program. It is impossible that this short paragraph will do justice to the impact it had on my life and art practice. Being able to work with such an incredible artist and person, I grew in confidence, understanding, and comfortability in art and language. Dan taught me how to problem solve in my own art practice, the beauty in collaboration, and how to trust the artistic process enough to not be afraid to just start. I am so grateful for the opportunity to assist Dan Callis; it was a blessing I never knew was possible until then.
Stephanie Somjak ’24

"My experience working with Nick Fagan was one of the most unique opportunities I’ve had as a student. Not only did I assist with pieces for the show, but I was also a part of the gallery side of prepping the space for an audience. I also developed my sewing skills and found that I enjoy working with textiles, which is now something I’ve been able to incorporate into my own practice. Overall, the experience of working as a studio assistant has given me a more holistic perspective on my experience as an art major at Hope College."
Natasha Marsh ’24

“The New York Arts Program has definitely served as a time for growth and connection for me. This program became a safe place where I could explore and have a taste of what working as a full-time artist might look like. I was surrounded by resources for viewing and learning about art from different disciplines and was able to work with an artist personally selected for my own creative goals. My experience in New York showed me the various opportunities there are for an art career and has given me the resources and connections to step into my creative practice with more confidence.”
Abigail Nasari ’22

“During my semester in New York City, I was given the opportunity to work with an amazing artist and work as a graphic design intern at a nonprofit. Being in the city allowed me to explore illustration and develop graphic design skills. New York offered endless opportunities such as visiting art museums, making new connections and enjoying incredible food. As I move forward in my art and design career, the lessons and confidence I gained in New York will definitely be something I hold on to even after college.”
Parker Johnson ’22

“Recording Movement”

"Given the nature of our research and both of our interests in the intersection of faith and artmaking, we desired to explore the questions, “When is art sacred?” and “What makes it so?” I entered into this summer with the expectation that these were unanswerable questions or at least unanswerable within our timeframe. However, throughout Professor Lookerse’s and my exploration of faith and art through the processes of mark making, movement, performance and discussion, I have come away with the possibility of using the method of art making as worship.”

A Treasure from Heaven: The Reliquary from the Kruizenga Art Museum

“Through this project, I've gained an understanding of what graduate level research would be like and how exciting original research can be. I learned a lot about the function and purpose of reliquaries and about the need for more research into these objects since the Catholic renewal.”

“My experience conducting summer research with Dr. Heath was one of continual surprises. We dove into the world of 11th-century Germany, investigating and relating medieval culture through an object-oriented history. The portable altar of Lat Trinité no longer exists, yet it maintains a legacy that offers a gleaming spotlight on religion and society. Due to the nature of our project, I especially enjoyed piecing together clues, facts and ideas that no one else has done before. We found missing documents, corrected information and refined the understanding of iconography and object usage. This summer of research helped guide my college and career trajectories — broadening possibilities and cultivating fascination with the history of visual culture.”

"My week at Ox-Bow was the highlight of my whole summer! I took a Wet Plate Photography course which was entirely new to me. It was a challenging and rewarding process that is incredibly rare to come across. In addition to a new medium, I learned about collaboration in photography, and was able to build off of my photography processes experience from Hope Art classes. I made amazing friends and valuable connections that I still keep to this day. My time at Ox-Bow significantly shaped the way that I view myself as an artist. My favorite part was discovering my love for portraits (and the Ox-Bow food!)."
Sarah O'Neil ’24

"Getting to participate in a ceramics intensive at Ox-Bow was such a valuable experience. My professors, Casey and Salvador, created the perfect environment for learning and collaborating. The fellows, residents, teachers, students and staff each brought such a unique point of view to the campus. Being among the community of amazing artists gave me an opportunity to see what future art paths I may follow. I am really excited to bring my new skills back to Hope and to see where they take me!"
Joanna Locke ’24