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We started in Rome studying and creating ceramics at C.R.E.T.A., a school specializing in ceramics under the guidance of our professor, Josh Deweese. We then traveled to La Meridiana, another school of ceramics in Certaldo, Tuscany, where we got to glaze and fire our pieces in one of the oldest woodfire kilns in Italy. While we were there, we took a day trip to Florence and got to see all the famous sights, such as the Duomo and the statue of David.
After spring break, we met back up in Rome, where we studied Roman and Etruscan art along with Imperial Monuments under Regina Gee and Dani Huvaere. After two weeks in Rome, they took us to Venice for three days. While we were there, we had one free day where we didn't have class. So, some classmates and I decided to rent a car and drive a few hours to Cortina to see the Dolomites. The mountains were unbelievable. A few of us went skiing for the day, then we walked around the town and got some lunch before heading back to Venice.
From Certaldo, we left on spring break, where a fellow classmate and I chose to go to Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I was raised by two proudly Irish parents, so this experience became such an eye-opening trip for me.
Dublin for the holiday was absolutely insane. We stayed there for three days. Then, we traveled to Galway to finish off the week, visiting the historic town along with the Cliffs of Moher. This week was one of the highlights of my time abroad. I felt so close to my Irish roots, learned a lot about my family heritage, and had developed a newfound appreciation for the country and the people.
I had the opportunity to study abroad throughout Italy during the spring semester of my junior year. The school of art through Montana State University offers an immersive program where professors from MSU take 15 students and teach courses of thier choosing in each city.
Overall, it was an absolutely INCREDIBLE trip full of so many life-changing experiences. I truly grew so much as a person and was able to learn from so many passionate professors. Learning about art in such an extravagant place will forever change the way I view things. I have so much more of an appreciation for the little details I never would've noticed before. I will always be grateful for this experience and all the things it taught me about not only passion for art, but who I am and who I want to be in this lifetime.
Regina and Dani then traveled with us to Naples and Pompeii, where we continued with a field study through the ruins. We even had the opportunity to see a fresco that was being uncovered in almost perfect condition. However, due to it containing Vermillion, it will never be on display to the public. Regina is not only a professor, but an archaeologist who specializes in frescos. She helped uncover Oplontis in the bay of Naples, which she then guided us through herself.
Being taught by someone so passionate about what she does was such a rewarding experience. Anyone who has the opportunity to work under Regina is extremely lucky.
From Pompeii, we took an overnight train to Siracusa, Sicily, where we spent the remainder of our trip abroad. We spent our days at MADE Academy under the direction of Tori Burchill, who was also my metalsmithing professor in my last year at MSU. Tori taught a sewing sculpture class where we learned basic sewing skills to create sculptures inspired by Greek myths. Once we finished the sewing project, we learned how to make traditional Sicilian bread under the guidance of Anita, one of the MADE faculty's mothers. We then took this skill and created a table spread of decorative elements, all made from bread and crackers.
Our last night consisted of a gallery exhibition titled "Duro e Morbido" and "La Forma Del Pane," which displayed all our work from our time in Sicily. During our trip here, we also hiked Mount Etna with our class, toured a grain factory, and some classmates and I even took a weekend trip up to Taormina for my 21st birthday.
Rome & Tuscany
Dublin & Galway
Rome & Venice
Naples & Pompeii
Siracusa, Sicily
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