K-State funding fuels a student artist’s eye-opening, immersive big-city experience
Elizabeth Bachman, a K-State fine arts major, had her first art class at age 3. Her high school was encircled by farmland in rural Kansas. Recently, Bachman experienced a change of scenery as she traveled to the hustle and bustle of New York City.
In NYC, Bachman furthered her artistic skills and fueled her passions while studying at the New York Academy of Art with the help of K-State’s Mark Chapman Scholars program.
How were you financially able to go to New York?
“I was fortunate enough to be a part of K-State’s Chapman Scholars program and receive other various art scholarships. I also called many places asking for scholarships and support, received a donation from my church and was finally accepted to go to the summer residency program. I was so grateful and excited.”
What was the atmosphere like studying in NYC?
“It was intensive, prestigious, rigorous. I attended lectures, studios, presentations and visited many galleries. The residency was very concentrated — five days a week, eight hours a day. Many of my classmates were from Canada and Mexico, so I got to interact with many people from different cultures and religions. We differed in almost every way except art.”
What did you learn from the professors?
“I learned new oil painting, charcoal and sculpture techniques. We drew primarily human forms, which was partially beneficial to me because I love to depict men from the Bible. However, I don’t typically work with live models and was uncomfortable with that aspect.”
Did you make beneficial connections?
“My roommate was from Oklahoma, and we connected well and are still in touch today. My professors were very serious and professional, but I got to talk with many people in the streets of New York, and I even learned some Arabic from a taxi driver. My experience in NYC was so interesting; I was always on the edge of my seat.”
What did you do outside of studying?
“I went to the Met, visited many churches, hung out with friends in City Park, attended jazz concerts, ate some good bagels and explored Times Square. There’s so much to do in New York. You can do almost anything, but you’re also trying to go from point A to point B without getting robbed. The experience was eye-opening, but I was very relieved to return to quiet, calm Kansas.”
What do you want to do in the future?
“If I could do missionary work with art, that would be amazing. Right now, I’m on track to go to other art residencies in other countries. The plan is to get as much exposure as I can in college, get a master’s in fine arts and then continue painting while waiting on the call for the next adventure.”
How did this opportunity advance your career?
“It’s a great resume builder to say you have studied at the New York Academy of Art. Because I was accepted into New York, I’ve now been accepted into residencies in Italy and Greece. I just don’t have the funds to attend yet.”
How has K-State assisted you so far?
“K-State has opened many doors for me. Previously, I studied abroad in Italy for arts and culture, and then I had the amazing opportunity to go to NYC and study. I have been able to connect with my professors because of the small class sizes in the art department. They’ve all been very supportive and a big help in introducing me to the art world.”
Support more K-Staters in their exploratory journeys.
By Kate Ellwood