Hello all! My name is Jamie and I’m your lovely new intern here at Art House. I’m a Columbus native attending college at Baldwin Wallace University. I’ve actually swapped around majors a few times even though I’m only in my first year (technically second in the coming fall), though now I’ve settled on studying Psychology and Studio Art. My focus is illustration and painting! Even though I declared art later on in life I’ve been a little proactive in my art career as I’ve even done a mural for Ovation, Baldwin Wallace’s end of the year celebration.
Art has always been a passion of mine; I’ve been tinkering with art since I was 5 years old. I would draw and color whatever I could. I was extremely theatrical and I danced as well. Art has sincerely shaped the human I am today in my passions, fashion, and perspective of the world. While I initially did not come into school for art, I found my way back home.
Being an individual who cares deeply for others, I started my volunteering career early and somehow I got swept up in the world of nonprofits and volunteering through BW. Amazingly, we have a program called Project Affinity! Project Affinity is a unique program where students are selected and live together in Cleveland while being partnered with various nonprofits in the area. I went into the group looking for someone who matched my passion for others and a love of art.
This is where my story begins with Art House. I was lucky enough to be matched with Art House and find myself in a community that matched my feelings exactly. Reading the mission statement, learning about the organization’s rich history, seeing the projects at work here; it’s amazing. My heart was thrilled to find an environment that cares deeply about using art to better the world. As an aspiring art therapist, that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to doing and I’m so thrilled to see my philosophy being put into motion in the world around me.
Since I’ve started this week, I’ve been in charge of working on the 2nd Annual Artist Inventory Challenge and frankly it’s been an interesting ride. Part of me is anxious to jump into the fast lane of this adventure but I know in my heart it’s worth the ride. I can’t wait to see what will be coming up in the future and I hope to see you all join us for the event.
If you’re unsure of what the challenge is, then allow me to explain. The Challenge will be a fun local event on July 8th, where local artists come together to create a piece for a competition while swapping and sharing supplies with the community. The pieces can win awards and will be sold to benefit Art House! There will be food and drink and a community of wonderful people here. I can’t think of any reason not to go, so I hope you’ll find a reason to come!
Thank you for listening to my ramblings, please look forward to more.
Jaime McFarland
Project Infinity Intern/Art House, Inc.