Jennifer Harrington

Art Education + Fine Arts–Painting
Class of 2010
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

I am very interested in the development of teaching art, however I feel it is important to also further one's own artistic skills and develop contextually as well as textually. RMCAD is very focused on developing your artistic skill to further your success as a teacher.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundations classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

I would say one of the most fundamental things I learned in these classes is: never think the way things are supposed to be will be. Never think of limiting yourself and never stay in the box. I think my art vastly improved when I started to learn that all art is not just paint on a canvas. Also never think that all of your art supplies can be purchased at an art supply store or a hardware store. There are so many things out there—never limit yourself.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

My favorite professors encourage and challenge me in all ways possible. I feel that the most successful professors respect my ideas and fight for me to express them even when the possibilities seem hard to reach—they jump outside the box to ensure success. The professors that mean the most to me are the ones that treat me like I'm on the same level they are—including me in outside gallery experiences or unforgettable art events, or just intense discussions about the world around us and how we as artists can change it.

How has RMCAD prepared you for what you want to do when you graduate?

I would like to further my exploration and my artistic career, as well as educate the audience and the people living around me. After I leave RMCAD, I want to be successful in the art world. One thing that RMCAD has constantly taught me is to never stop learning. As long as I stick to this, I know I will be a success. It's the curiosity that drives me.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

It's funny—I feel sometimes like all of us who attend RMCAD were the different ones in elementary school, middle school and high school. We were always the ones that thought different—we would paint a picture with a green sky and blue grass. It seems like everyone in the RMCAD community, for the most part, respects each other and always encourages one another. At the same time, you can always feel this strive for competition around the RMCAD community with so many great ideas—it keeps one running with ideas to keep ahead of the crazy game of the art world.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

It's the best of both worlds. The climate never is boring and the aspect of the art community is slowly growing—I feel to become something huge.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I feel so much more educated about the art world. I feel it has helped me slowly develop who I am and what I want for my life. I feel as though I am slowly changing to be so comfortable in my own skin and surroundings. Through this, it has helped me find myself.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school"?

Over time, it just slowly happened. I started to meet people here who I know will be life-long friends. It's such an encouraging community and one whose roots stem from many successful artists. Just opening yourself up and immersing yourself in it, any student will discover this school is different from many art schools.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

It will change your life—that is, if you allow it.