Local students recently were able to participate in the regional 2023 Art Career Day and hear from artistic professionals working in various career fields.
The event was put on by the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Arts in Education program, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison-Oneida BOCES Arts in Education program and Mohawk Valley Community College.
“It was great to be able to bring together so many students from our region to learn about how art can be part of so many different types of careers,” said Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education Coordinator Heather McCutcheon, an art teacher at Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School. “The local professionals shared great messages with the students to help inspire their career choices, and students were also exposed to the opportunities available at MVCC.”
The 2023 Art Career Day took place on Friday, May 19, at the Mohawk Valley Community College Utica Campus. Students learned about a variety of art careers and went on tours of the MVCC art department facilities and had discussions with the professors.
Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education had more than 85 students in attendance – from Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Mount Markham, Poland and Richfield Springs.
The career speakers were Lindsay Giannatelli, of independent art sales; Sean Usyk, of illustration and client work; Adam Brockway, of wedding photography; Nina Lemieux and Chelsea Huchital, of the printing business; Chad Smith, a gallery artist; Aidan Ferguson, a videographer and camera operator for WUTR; and Josh Piejko, a video game artist.
“Embrace what you want to go into and don’t be scared about that journey,” Piejko said to students. “Don’t let your failures prevent you from creating.”
Other speakers also provided advice for students.
“Be Kind to yourself,” Giannatelli said. “Being in the art field can be tough, but if it’s your passion, keep with it.”
Local professionals working in artistic career fields speak to students during the 2023 Art Career Day on Friday, May 19, at the Mohawk Valley Community College Utica Campus. The event was put on by the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Arts in Education program, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison-Oneida BOCES Arts in Education program and Mohawk Valley Community College.