Class of 2008

Looking back now, Ryman was one of the best experiences of my high school career. For one day a week I had the opportunity to just draw and leave the stress and worries of the school week behind. The ability to sit down and draw was a pure delight and I loved every minute of it. After graduating from Ryman and high school, I went on to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art where I studied sculpture with a concentration in curatorial studies. As I move forward, I understand more than ever how valuable Ryman Arts was in helping me understand the foundations of art that were so necessary in my college career.

Working as the digital media intern at Ryman Arts in summer of 2009 was an absolute pleasure. I learned so much about the history of Ryman Arts and its humble beginnings of a single class of twelve. I know the Ryman Arts staff genuinely care about their students and I have seen firsthand how much time and effort they put into keeping Ryman Arts alive and thriving. I am grateful to have had a chance to be a part of this influential organization both as a student and an intern. But most of all I feel fortunate to have the support of Ryman Arts even through my college years. As I look back on my time as an intern and Ryman Arts student, the advice that I would give to future Ryman students, would be to understand what an remarkable experience Ryman Arts is and to take advantage of every opportunity that it gives you.