MSU's Department of Art and Design supports unlimited opportunities for student growth

Morehead State University’s Department of Art and Design is one of the most comprehensive schools of art, design and teacher education in the Commonwealth. Programs offer a hands-on, personalized approach, enabling students to acquire additional skills complementing their unique creative strengths. Kristin Busby, senior and Bachelor of Fine Arts major, credits this to faculty members who are invested in supporting the growth of students.

“I used to think that being creative and having business sense were mutually

exclusive. Either people were right- or left-brained, and as a creative person, I had

no interest in becoming an administrator or entrepreneur of any kind,” Busby said. “After taking two courses and a practicum with professor Jennifer Reis, I realized that these traits often complement one another.”

Busby recently completed an Undergraduate Research Fellowship in arts programming and promotion with Reis as her faculty mentor. This past spring and summer, Busby focused on the logistical planning, management and marketing of arts programming and services hosted by the Claypool-Young Art Gallery. She provided support in the organization of art submissions for the Bluegrass Biennial exhibition jurying process, as well as assisting in the art handling, receiving and installation of four other exhibitions.

“Working with faculty members who set such high standards has made me a better student,” Busby said. “The support I have received from faculty here has enabled me to excel academically and allowed me to expand outside of my comfort zone to pursue competitive opportunities.”

She was the recipient this summer of a scholarship to the Americans for the Arts 2016 Convention. It was Professor Reis who encouraged her to apply.

Busby said she is excited to continue her work another year as a fellow in the Claypool-Young Art gallery.

“I have been proud of my work with gallery installations and project management for the Bluegrass Biennial, as well as the development of a social media strategy for the gallery,” she said. “There is a growing emphasis for art museums and galleries to enhance audience participation and experience through the use of digital media. I am excited to continue to grow as a student and implement strategies to increase engagement.”

Busby said the opportunities to grow as a student are unlimited and she encourages other students to participate in the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

“My work as an Undergraduate Research Fellow has given me hands-on experience as

an entry-level arts administrator. I feel prepared to enter the

workforce confidently and to compete nationally as an emerging leader in arts

administration.”

To learn more about programs in MSU’s Department of Art and Design, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/art.