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Art major Krista Catalano ’03 (Greenwich, Conn.) is getting a taste of life in the art world through an independent study at Lafayette’s Experimental Printmaking Institute.
“I’m helping organize projects associated with EPI,” says Catalano. ”This includes assisting with exhibitions and working with visiting artists at the institute.”
Catalano is mounting an exhibit by Curlee Holton, associate professor of art and EPI director, at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, N.J. She is also assisting with an exhibit at Dizyners Gallery in Philadelphia that includes works from the EPI collection.
“Krista has been a tremendous help with both shows,” says Holton, Catalano’s independent study adviser. “She has recently expressed an interest in art management, so work of this nature is wonderful preparation for such a career path.”
Catalano explains that the independent study has broadened her understanding of the art world, particularly the intersection of fine and commercial art.
“This independent study is an excellent way to prepare for a career in art management and computer art. I am interested in advertising, and the printmaking studio is a prime place for me to gain experience in computer technologies used to produce brochures, posters, and art itself.”
Through this independent study, Catalano hopes to narrow her focus in the fields of advertising and art and build a professional portfolio to show potential employers.
“Not only am I working on my portfolio, I am working personally with visiting artists,” she says. “I am most excited about the real life professional experience and the ‘hands on’ aspect of this study. I am meeting new people and doing things that I wouldn’t be able to do sitting in a classroom.”
Catalano is particularly pleased by the guidance offered by Holton.
“Professor Holton is a wonderful teacher and an amazing artist himself. That alone is a pleasure to witness,” she says. “I am extremely happy to be working with Curlee. He was my professor for printmaking, the class that helped me select him as my adviser. I think he is an extremely qualified and caring mentor. He has encountered hundreds of artists in his day and has so much to teach me. He is energetic and supportive, and his knowledge of his field is apparent. I am confident he will provide the help I need to achieve my goals.”
Catalano is pleased with her experience at Lafayette, and is particularly enthused to play a role in the strong arts community in the Easton area.
“I believe Lafayette is a good environment for projects like this independent study,” she says. “For one thing, there are many highly qualified artists in the area, not to mention that New York and Philadelphia are only an hour and a half away and are filled with galleries and artists of all kinds. The art department here at Lafayette consists of incredible teachers that care a lot about their students.”
Catalano has worked in the art department’s slide room for the past two years. A member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she serves on Chapter Council and is scholarship chair.
Krista Catalano ’03 worked with Curlee Raven Holton, professor of art and director of the Expermental Printmaking Institute.