Matter of Perception - MFA Thesis Show Part 1

Well, it has been quite a whirlwind of a time! I passed my oral defense!!!!!! Yay!!!!!

My whole experience for my MFA Thesis Exhibition, which was titled "Matter of Perception" couldn't have gone any better! My committee had great comments and questions during my defense, the opening went amazingly, and now I can't believe that all of that just happened! To read my artist statement, go to my website. Grad school has been such a huge part of my life for 3 years, and it is so surreal to be almost completely finished! There are so many people I feel so grateful toward, and am so happy I have met while I have been at ASU. For those who weren't able to come to my opening reception, here is the thank you note that I posted. I apologize if anyone is missing, there are really just too many people fit on one page! But these are the people who have made the biggest impact on me during my time here...

There are many people I would like to thank for their support, inspiration and guidance that led me through these three wonderful years of graduate school and to an exiting future ahead. I would like to thank…

My partner in life, Jorge Arteaga, who has been supportive through it all. Thank you for being there when I need you, listening to me when I need to talk, giving me advice, and making me feel so loved.

My family, for their constant support and understanding, and for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.

 My committee, Clare Verstegen, Victoria Altepeter, Sam Chung, Betsy Fahlman, and John Tzelepis, who all gave me the guidance and support I needed to make this exhibition a reality.

My mentors Becky McDonah and Tedd McDonah, who taught me so much in so many ways, have been available and supportive whenever I needed them, and made me feel like I was part of the metals family.

I would not be where I am today without my colleagues Leon Nash and Katie Poterala, with whom I spent many long hours having discussions, critiques, sharing knowledge and information, and who have become life-long friends. Go Team Metals!

Charity Hall, who believed in me from the very beginning and encouraged me to pursue my passion.

Some of the ASU faculty and staff who encouraged me and helped me along the way includes Ellie Honl, Tom Eckert, Dan Collins, Mark Fromeyer, Vicki Kelley, and Carol Cox.

Thank you to my ASU friends, who have helped and inspired me along the way, including Lynette Andreasen, Meghann Sottile, Tristyn Bustamante, and the long list of graduate  students, undergraduate students  and alumni who have made an impact in my life.

I would also like to thank Jorge Arteaga, Leon Nash, Tristyn Bustamante, and Meghann Sottile for their help with the installation of this show, Thank you to Leon Nash for making the beautiful pedestals, and to Sandy Blain for loaning pedestals that inspired them. Thank you to Jorge Arteaga for designing the poster and sign for the show.

Thank you to everyone who has come to see this exhibition!