Students blend artistry, technology
By Genevieve Schlosser
schlosse@mscd.edu

   The main goal of the Blackberry Sketch Club is to help student artist’s transition into the professional world. The club’s new president, Jamie Ross, is also trying to get them involved in the community.
   It is one thing to be an art major in college, making presentations and being critiqued by teachers and students. Getting out into the real world as an artist involves a lot more and can be difficult. There are business and accounting issues that go along with being an artist for a living as well as having to sell yourself as an artist.
   “ School doesn’t prepare us for that,” Ross said.
   So, last Spring semester, art student Amie Burgeson started Blackberry Sketch to help close the gap. The club keeps in contact with alumni who can be used as resources. It also uses a mentoring system within the student population.
   “ The more advanced students are helping the newer students express themselves and communicate visually,” Ross said.
   At the same time, the club’s advisor, Sandra Lane, brings in a professional artist each month to talk to the students about the many aspects of the profession. Through this, according to Ross, “We’ve learned how to speak about our art.”
   Ross said that Lane has been a huge support for Blackberry Sketch along with sculpture teacher Mark Guilbeau. They have both contributed many ideas, much guidance and inspiration to the artists.
   Ross said she wants to share all the inspiration and support she finds in her club with more art students. Currently there are only 10 active members.
   “ I’m really working on building up the club and getting new members because it’s a pretty new club,” Ross said. “I would like for us to get more involved in the community eventually.”
   Currently, the club is planning an art show for the 12th of May through the 3rd of June at the Capsule Gallery on 6th and Santa Fe. Ross hopes to put together a big art festival for the fall including many kinds of art and music. She said she feels that would be a good way to get her club out there and a good medium for sharing their work with a broader community.
   “ Art is a great way to bring people together,” Ross said.