Breadcrumb
Art, B.A. | Class of
Renee Calway
Artist
Employer: Self, MOCA and The Zieder's American Dream Theatre
Job description: First, I am an exhibiting artist who works actively with the community to engage in creative experiences that are often stimulating to the mind and five senses, and more recently evoking healing through the arts. I have been working actively with the Zieder's American Dream Theatre in Virginia Beach's Town Center on my most recent installation of 20 figurative, life-size sculptures called Beyond the Body. Second, I am a teaching artist. As a studio school instructor at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, I am able to engage with students ages 3+ in a wide range of media, from drawing and painting to ceramic and plaster. As an artist, I work in the VIBE creative district, with the Virginia Beach Public Library and even with local paint and sip company.
www.virginiamoca.org
About Renee
Why did you choose this program?
Sondra Schwetman has an impressive history with sculpture work. I sought out HSU from a variety of programs because of Sondra Schwetman. Under her oversight, the sculpture department offers instruction on plaster, mold making techniques, and metal. I first became aware of the art program at HSU from seeing work at the yearly ceramic conference in Davis. The work that comes out of Humboldt's art program is graduate quality.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
Above all, I was encouraged to explore my creative vision through experimental processes by Sondra Schwetman and Ben Funke. HSU gave me the opportunity to exhibit work through the Student Access Galleries. I learned about gallery practices and even interned in a museum while earning by Museum and Gallery Management Certificate taught by Michele McCall-Wallace, alongside my undergrad degree. The art history classes that I was required to take turned out to be incredible sources of inspiration for my career making art and teaching about it. Finally, the capstone class, taught by Nicole Hill, pushed me out of my comfort zone to make the career moves that I needed to be a successful artist in the real world. Artists are their business, and therefore, need training to run their business. This class helped me a lot.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I love Humboldt so much. Everything about my experience at HSU went right. I met incredible, talented, motivated artists who were fellow students and eventually life-long friends. Sometimes these relationships have lead to further opportunities in the arts. I love the peaceful campus. It is an oasis for creative thoughts. I love the access to so many materials in H75. I miss the community and like-minded spirits who are activists at heart. Humboldt is where my heart is.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
If you are looking to go to school to learn sculpture techniques alongside other series artists, Humboldt can offer you instruction by professional artists who will show you what you need to know in order to reach your goals—you just have to want it!