Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Betty Hart
“I believe painting and the arts should be more valued in education and in the community. Creative expression is an inherent human characteristic that, when nurtured, benefits the growth of individuals. I cannot imagine my life without making art.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: McAlisterville, PA
- Community College: The Art Institute of York, PA
- Four-year College or University: Pennsylvania State University
- Graduate School: TBD
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Design, Nonprofits, Writing / Journalism
- Other Interests: Design, Film / Photography, Nonprofits, Performing Arts / Theatre, Religion, Visual Arts, Writing / Journalism, Poetry, Yoga, Holistic Health, Culinary Arts
Biography
PROFILE: Betty Hart left a graphic design career to go back to school to study studio art with a concentration in Drawing & Painting, her true passion since childhood. She received far more benefits from her return to academics than anticipated. “I grew so much professionally and personally. I took advantage of amazing opportunities, including teaching ESL learners, traveling to Sicily and Rome, and participating in an intensive summer art program in New York City.” Some of Betty’s most rewarding experiences as a returning adult student were showing her paintings in solo and group art exhibitions on and off campus, as well as teaching children, teens, and adults. Through all of these experiences, she realized she wanted nothing more than to make a career as a studio artist, and realized that she was capable of much more than she had thought possible. Having grown up in a rural town with little access to knowledge and resources, her world seems to have opened up. “After earning my M.F.A., I will continue to create and exhibit my work as well as educate young or new artists.”
Betty moved to New York City in the summer of 2008, where she plans to attend graduate school. She currently works as a studio assistant to several emerging and established artists.
INSPIRATION: Betty has been rejuvenated by a life that centers on art-making, and her move to the city that many consider the center of the art world: “I am so excited to be able to participate in a contemporary art dialogue, to challenge and refine my studio practice, and to ultimately make a difference in others’ lives through my work.”
ASPIRATION: Betty hopes to challenge the traditional notion of painting by working between two and three dimensions during graduate school. She plans to travel abroad for residencies and other art-focused projects, continue to show her work in galleries and public spaces, and work as a teacher and facilitator.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: In addition to art, Betty has taught English as a Second Language and has worked as a Vinyasa yoga instructor, teaching one or two classes a week.
ACCOLADES: Betty completed her B.F.A. coursework in 2007 and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with honors and highest distinction. In 2007, her painting Athero-psychosis was chosen for the cover of Kalliope, the campus literary journal.
INTERESTING NEWS: Upon moving to Manhattan, Betty set up a new studio and continues with her current body of paintings, about which she is very excited. She looks forward to showing them in the near future.
Other Scholars Like Betty
Jody Morita
Graduate Scholar
McMaster University
Hannah Kang
College Scholar
Brown University
Mariam Chughtai
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University
Dashell
Young Scholar
Flint Hill School