Abigail Colwell

Looking to my future I always thought that I wouldn't be able to pursue my art career and be financially stable because my parents instilled in my mind the motif of "the starving artist". Coming to the University of North Georgia, I have found this to be a lie that I have been taught to believe since a young age. Ung has shown me that with my art career, I can expand my abilities and continue creating what makes me an artist happy. My professor has sparked joy in my plans, as I now know I can be an artist who brings others joy as well. My goals have and will continue to form as I get closer to graduation, but I know that I want to have a small business that allows a community of artists to come together and create and sell works of art. I want to own a place that gives all artists joy and exposure so they can have a career in their art and not believe the lies of starving artists. I believe that every artist deserves recognition and the opportunity to thrive. By providing a supportive space for artists to showcase their work, I hope to challenge the stereotype of struggling artists and empower them to pursue their passion with confidence. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a vibrant and flourishing artistic community where artists can find fulfillment and success in their chosen career paths. As I gained more knowledge and experience in my field during college, I realized that there are numerous opportunities for artists to thrive and succeed. My goal, along with creating a space for artists, is to establish myself as a professional artist, working on commissioned projects and exhibiting my work internationally. Additionally, I aspire to use my artistic skills to make a positive impact in society by creating thought-provoking pieces that raise awareness about social issues and inspire change. All of this to say having this scholarship provides me with the opportunity to continue forward in my dreams of creating for people and with people.