The “Senior Spotlight” series honors graduating fine arts majors for their contributions to the Gustavus community.
Hannah Calkins is a studio art major with a film and media studies minor from Woodbury, Minn. She is currently considering different career options, including interior design or event planning. Professor of Art and Art History Priscilla Briggs worked closely with Hannah last summer doing artistic research. “Hannah has always been her own person, but she has grown more mature and confident as an artist since I first met her a few years ago. She is funny and direct, two qualities I appreciate in a student and friend,” she says.
We asked Hannah to give us a little insight into her time at Gustavus and what her future plans are.
What will you miss most about art at Gustavus?
HC: I will miss the people, they are kind, supportive, fun, encouraging, they give really good feedback, and they challenge me to be the best artist I can be. I also enjoy working with other artists on campus and being surrounded by people who share the same love for art as I do.
What do you look forward to most about life after Gustavus?
HC: I am looking forward to getting to know myself better and not have to go to class or have homework. I also am looking forward to having my own place, decorating it, and having more free time to do things that I enjoy.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give high school students considering Gustavus?
HC: Get involved and talk to as many people as you can because the campus really feels like home and it is nice when you see people you know everywhere you go. Get your generals out of the way and take weird and fun classes, you never know when you will find something you love. The weird classes ended up being the classes I remember the most.
What has been your proudest moment in your time at Gustavus?
HC: My proudest moment was winning the Presidential Art Award and installing my art pieces in President Bergman’s dinning room this year.
What professor has made the biggest impact on you and why?
HC: Priscilla Briggs has made the biggest impact on me because I had her as a professor for a majority of my art classes and she has been my advisor since sophomore year. She has helped me grow into the artist I am today and really challenged me to be the best me I can be. Priscilla has also introduced me to so many opportunities that have pushed me as an artist and made me better.