Finding a home in the Molson Building
Had you told me last year, in the middle of my first semester, that I would be interning at the Foreman Art Gallery’s ArtLab on campus, I would’ve raised an eyebrow and probably laughed it off. Bishop’s still felt intimidating to me at that point: I was taking four studio classes in the Molson Fine Arts Building “just to check it out” and was only starting to meet my newly-made friends outside of school.
Because of my wintertime arrival, I had kind of thrown myself into the thick of it without a thorough introduction to campus life and felt a bit like a fish out of water in my program. My conversational English was also still pretty rough around the edges. Soon enough, though, the Molson Building became an engaging place to pursue my passion and I gradually gained confidence and developed great relationships with my professors. The Open House exhibition and friendly gathering closing off the semester in the springtime was clear confirmation that I had found a home in the Bishop’s community.
Embracing growth and saying “yes”
Last fall, during my second semester, I learned that I had been chosen by my professors as a recipient of the Wanda Rozynska Scholarship in Fine Arts, and that filled my heart with joy! This moment of recognition made me feel so proud and grateful for my field of study. It wasn’t long afterward that a friend of mine asked if I would be interested in carrying on her role as an intern at the Foreman Art Gallery’s Community ArtLab.
She told me I would be warmly welcomed in the team and felt the internship would suit me well. I hesitated, being a bit nervous. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity that would lead to great potential growth and help me develop my abilities … but was I ready for such a role and was I qualified enough? My gut told me that there was only one way to find out. After a bit more reassurance from my friend, I accepted the offer. Like an energetic little sponge, I soaked up all the information I could get about the ArtLab and its mission.
What’s the ArtLab?
The Foreman Art Gallery’s Community Art Laboratory (ArtLab) is located in the Centennial Building, under the Gallery. Its mission is to offer access to creativity and knowledge in an inclusive way. This core value is carried through a constellation of initiatives.
For example, twice a week, “Art Hives” are held in the space. Art Hives are open to all (students, staff members and curious individuals) and provide free materials for people to create their best or worst work in a pressure-free environment! During the Hives, the ArtLab becomes a “third place” for visitors: somewhere that is neither their workplace nor home. Here, they can collectively create, be themselves and bond with other visiting “bees”. Wonderful volunteer facilitators receive them and provide help, support and advice if needed.
The ArtLab is also a place of reunion for various clubs of the Bishop’s community! It often holds thematic Art Hives in collaboration with student associations (like the Knitting club, for example). Moreover, the ArtLab team offers commented group visits of the Foreman Art Gallery’s exhibitions that can be combined with creative workshops inspired by the themes discussed. Every year, there are ArtLab Residencies where an artist generates a project that is engaging for the community. There are also Art Camps for children during the March and Summer Breaks as well!
Cheers to giving it a go
When I met Camila Vasquez, the ArtLab Coordinator, and Gentiane Bélanger, Director of the Foreman Gallery and Curator, I understood that I would evolve in a kind and open-learning environment where I would be trusted and welcomed to express my thoughts and use my creativity. I felt a strong connection to the ArtLab’s mission as I have been cherishing the dream of teaching visual arts at a college level. This alliance of education and creativity in a context of community spoke to me like no other opportunity had before. I wanted to embrace it to the best of my abilities.
Through the internship, I learned how to give a full guided visit of the gallery in French and English and to hold creative workshops at the ArtLab for different age groups. I also take care of our social media presence and respond to e-mails. Of course, it took some time for me to settle into the role and manage the stress that came with an overflowing schedule of five classes, a seasonal part-time job, two extra-curriculars and my internship. I won’t lie, it has been a wild ride, but it’s been absolutely worth it.
Meeting with Katie Bibbs, an academic coach at Bishop’s, has helped me a lot in planning my day-to-day activities and has allowed me time to rest. I have learned so much about the art world and about myself by working in this environment and am grateful for it.
If you are currently stuck in a spiral of self-doubt or wondering if you are qualified enough to apply for an internship, my words to you are to simply give it a go and put yourself out there; internship positions are made for students like us and there is very little to lose, yet so much to learn!
