In New York and Mankato

[ We invited Bethany graduates in Communication and Media Arts to report what they were up to, and respond to some questions about how they have used what they learned at Bethany and since. Please feel free to greet, ask questions, and comment. ]

When did you graduate from Bethany, what was your major, and in what, if anything, did you specialize while in school?

I graduated in 2005 with a Studio Arts Major (Theatre Minor). During my time as a student at Bethany, I specialized in finding every opportunity to build my skill set in fine arts, taking as many courses as I could that would broaden my reach such as writing, graphic design, marketing, hymnody & liturgics, comparative religions, independent learning (fresco), and interning at the Brown County Historical Society.

What are you doing now with media/technology?

I currently teach Art History online at Bethany, and in person at Farmingdale State College (SUNY) in New York. Art History particularly lends itself to making use of media/technology, so I create GIANT powerpoints for my lectures. Outside of teaching, I am a working artist so I need to create all of my own advertising and publicity. Speaking of which, I am also the Manager of Visual Communications at the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center where I use strategic thinking to execute the museum's graphic collateral. I also volunteer on the leadership cabinet of the Alumni Association from my graduate school where I am responsible for making the content on our Alumni website.

Do you have any goals or aspirations beyond what you are doing now?

Sigh. I know I'm not aiming terribly high here: I'd love to be able to make a livable wage in the arts. (Neither my previous positions in the art world, nor teaching, nor the museum, have offered a living wage - so I "shoe-horn" the work I actually have talent for and am trained to do into the time outside of my full-time non-arts job which pays a living wage along with health insurance). If I were to aim just a little higher, I'd love to earn a Fulbright grant, create altarpieces for churches, and show artwork engaging in critical discourse on contemporary issues in museums.

Have you found any opportunities to use your skills and experience for Gospel outreach?

Earlier in my career, I was one of the first board members of Spark & Echo Arts, a not-for-profit started by my friends in New York who wanted to make a contemporary "illuminated Bible" with new works of theatre, poetry, film, sculpture, painting, animation, etc. created in response to Bible passages. I was also the project manager for a community-based "Metrocard" mural installation at my church in NYC. I am currently leading the renovations and visual communication (artwork, branding, website) for my church on Long Island.

Have you encountered any difficulty or hostility in your profession because you are a Christian?

I personally have not encountered difficulty or hostility against my Christian faith, because I exist in an environment that makes room for persons with all kinds of beliefs. Within that environment, I also ensure that I respect and love persons who may hold faiths that are different from mine. I strive to follow Saint Francis' counsel, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary," and Saint Peter's advice: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."