ISU art student accepted to summer program in Italy

Idaho State University senior art major Rachel Anderson, from Idaho Falls, has been accepted to study in the University of Georgia’s Study Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy, at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. From 50 to 70 students from throughout the United States are accepted each summer into this competitive program, which is based in a city located about an hour outside of Florence. Anderson said she is the only student from Idaho to be accepted this year. The program will consist of art technique and history classes.

“For centuries people have gone to Italy, one of the world’s centers of art, to study both old and modern art,” said Anderson, who specializes in painting and ceramics. “I wanted an extra push into my art and for who I am, and this program should provide that.”

This spring, Anderson was awarded the Marky Hinson Memorial Scholarship in the Idaho State University Undergraduate Art Exhibit and Scholarship Competition for her piece “Back #1.” This piece and two others she entered in the competition were part of the portfolio that helped her get accepted into the study abroad program. In her painting she works primarily with acrylic paint.

“Everyone’s life is touched and affected by art, and I’m really excited to be furthering myself and my work through this art program,” Anderson said.

She said that ISU art faculty members, particularly Linda Leeuwrik and Tony Martin, were extremely helpful in assisting her in applying for the program. “I received incredible support from my teachers for doing this,” Anderson said. “Students can take advantage of programs like this and the teachers are always willing to help. I wouldn’t have gotten into the program without them.”

Anderson is a fine arts major, but is also studying psychology.

“Eventually, I want to go on and be an art therapist, as well as an artist,” she said.

A summer studying art in Italy should be a solid step in accomplishing those goals.