The Art of Connection: Heartwarming Stories from Alumni

By Charlotte Barnett (Ryman ’20), Youjin Shin (Ryman ’16), and Helena Hsieh (Ryman ‘00)

At the heart of Ryman Arts is our vibrant community and artistic network. With over 34 years of service, we are delighted to share three stories from our alumni of heartwarming connections that have formed through Ryman Arts. From blossoming friendships to alumni supporting the next generation of young artists, these special connections remind us that art truly brings people together.


Charlotte Barnett (Ryman ’20)

I remember my first day at Ryman Arts. All I could think about was how simply amazing it would be to finally be surrounded by those who love what I love: art. When I walked into the gray, fluorescent lit classroom, instead of groups of nervous students, I found a bright smiling girl ready to make friends. Anxious but excited, I went forward, and we introduced ourselves. She told me her name was Bella, and soon she and I became contagious with energetic whispers and suppressed giggles. We talked more as we sketched thumbnails of ping pong balls, plastic toys, and gift boxes. With each word those gray walls seemed warmer, and the cold fluorescents kinder. I realized that this was different from school. Everyone here just wanted to create, and even more, to have people to create with.

Four girls sitting next to each other in a classroom.Chloe Bakert (Ryman '20), Lani Storm (Ryman '20), Bella Creado (Ryman '20), Charlotte Barnett in Foundation Drawing Class (left to right)

It is some kind of magic, I think, the way we make friends and the way they shape our lives. It is of a unique and powerful nature that becomes our greatest shield and balm. Bella and I soon grew our web of friends and fell in love with our fellow Ryman Arts artists. Lani, Chloe, Shani, Giovanni, were each a wonderful addition to a place that fostered my creativity and knowledge of the arts. All of us grew close with our shared experiences. To work alongside amazing people is one thing, but to laugh and feel at home with them is so much better. I am so grateful to know them. With every class, they inspired me to push myself and stunned me with their creativity and stories. They really are the next great artists, and the world will be more beautiful for it.


Youjin Shin (Ryman ’16)

Three girls sitting next to each other in a room surrounded by easels.Youjin Shin with students Yelin Kim (Ryman '23) (left) and Shannon Lee (Ryman '23)(right)

When I was in high school, both of my parents taught art and design at our home studio, S&L Art Studio, and helped send numerous students to universities, colleges, and private art schools. In my second year of college at ArtCenter College of Design, I fully took over our family business and have been teaching since. I specialize in portfolio building and preparation for art and design schools. I teach mainly high school students, from grades 9-12, and occasionally middle school students, helping them build their artistic voice when creating their portfolios. In my five years of teaching, there have been lots of challenges and learning curves. However, seeing students enter their dream art schools and receive numerous recognitions from competitions and exhibitions, I gained a lot of confidence and pride in teaching. My students have gotten into top art schools, such as RISD, ArtCenter, Pratt Institute, Parsons, Cooper Union, and many more. Most of my students also receive great scholarships when entering these schools, some even obtain a full-ride scholarship. 

Ryman Arts was my first steppingstone into a college-level art program. I have learned so much and met so many great artists and instructors during my time at Ryman Arts, and I want my students to experience the same opportunities. Thus, I’ve nominated and encouraged many of my students to apply for Ryman Arts. Almost all my students who graduated from the program have told me how getting into Ryman Arts was the best decision they have ever made and thanked me for recommending such a wonderful program. I am so grateful for Ryman Arts and plan to send more students to the program in the future.


Helena Hsieh (Ryman ‘00)

Three women standing next to each other smiling at the camera.

Lindsey Warren (Ryman '00), past Executive Director Diane Brigham, and Helena Hsieh (Ryman '00) at the 2017 Worlds of Possibilities fundraiser (left to right)

It was at a Ryman Arts fundraiser in May 2017 that I first connected with Lindsey Warren, a fellow alum who was in my year at Ryman Arts. While we were in the program, we didn't really know each other. There were so many of us! But after connecting with each other, I hung out with Lindsey and her husband for the entire evening. I had such a great time at the Worlds of Possibilities fundraiser at Clifton’s Republic! The event was so memorable and well done, and the venue was amazing. Lindsey and I exchanged contact info after the event ended. 

A black and white photo of a group of people standing outside.

Helena Hsieh (far left) and Lindsey Warren (top left) in Intermediate Drawing Class with teaching artist Rush White, Spring 1999

But life happened, and we did not see each other again until April 2019 when I saw a post Lindsey had made on her Instagram Stories. Lindsey had some extra tickets to the Karen O and Danger Mouse presents Lux Prima event at the Marciano Art Foundation (MAF). I really wanted to see Lux Prima with my husband, and lo and behold Lindsey had some extra tickets! Back in the day, Ryman Arts would give out really nice black and white class portraits. While waiting in line for Lux Prima to start, I showed Lindsey, her husband, and my husband the photos that we were both in from 1999, and it was quite funny to see how we were back in high school. We had a great time together at the event and continued to stay connected!