University of Arkansas and Crystal Bridges Museum Celebrate First Graduating Cohort of MA Art History Students

# **University of Arkansas School of Art Graduates First MA Art History Cohort Specializing in the Arts of the Americas**

This spring marks an exciting milestone for the **University of Arkansas School of Art**, as it celebrates the first graduating cohort of its **MA in Art History program**. Designed in close collaboration with the **Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art**, the program offers a specialized focus on the **arts of the Americas** and provides students with unparalleled academic and professional experiences.

## **A Unique, Fully Funded Art History Program**
The **MA in Art History** program is distinguished by its **multivocal and inclusive approach to art history**, encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary perspectives while gaining hands-on experience. Thanks to the generous support of the **Walton Charitable Support Foundation**, the program is **tuition-free** and offers additional financial aid through **assistantships, fellowships, and grants** for research and travel.

For many students, this **fully funded** opportunity has been transformative. Graduate student **Alex Betz**, who interned at the **Creative Arkansas Community Hub and Exchange (CACHE)**, emphasized the significance of this support:

*”I cannot overstate the impact of being a part of a fully funded MA program. I’ve been able to immerse myself in my studies and pursue a host of opportunities that otherwise would have been inaccessible to me.”*

## **A Curriculum That Blends Tradition and Innovation**
Guided by expert faculty and museum professionals, students explore fundamental themes in art history while engaging in research-based training. The program includes courses that provide **behind-the-scenes experiences** at Crystal Bridges, helping students understand how museum exhibitions develop from **concept to final installation**.

One of these courses, taught by **Crystal Bridges curator Jen Padgett**, was a highlight for graduate student **Djamila Ricciardi**:

*”We have been able to broaden our perspectives through in-depth seminars on a range of topics. A personal highlight was Jen Padgett’s course, where she gave us an exclusive look at museum curation, from the initial concept to the final install.”*

## **Hands-On Experience with Leading Art Institutions**
A key strength of the **MA in Art History** program is its focus on **practical, hands-on experience**. Graduating students have worked with key arts organizations, engaging in **curatorial, research, and community-driven projects**.

– **Ibby Ouweleen** interned with **Art Bridges**, where she played an **active role in exhibition development** and **research on new acquisitions**, including Rashid Johnson’s *Untitled Escape Collage*.
– *“I am so energized by the important work of Art Bridges and loved being part of the team so much that I began working for them as a curatorial research assistant. A show I’ve worked on is opening next fall, and it will be my first curatorial byline.”*

– **Raven Cook** and **Alex Betz** interned at **CACHE**, focusing on **grant research, artist engagement, and online resource development** for local arts initiatives.

– **Ella Nowicki** took on a **curatorial internship** at **Crystal Bridges**, while **Larissa Randall**, an **assistant curator**, continued their curatorial work while completing the MA program.

## **A Diverse Cohort Paving the Way for Future Scholars**
The **first graduating cohort** brings a wealth of diverse academic backgrounds, with students holding undergraduate degrees from **institutions such as the University of Arkansas, Williams College, and the University of Cambridge**. Program faculty, led by **Jennifer Greenhill**, emphasize **cross-institutional expertise in Indigenous, Mesoamerican, African diaspora, Latin American, and Latiné artistic traditions**.

Greenhill expressed admiration for the students’ accomplishments and contributions:

*”Their unique perspectives have enriched the new program in fundamental ways and helped to set a high standard for future cohorts.”*

## **Expanding Horizons Through Travel and Artist Engagement**
The program also **incorporates global art experiences**, allowing students to travel and study historical and contemporary art in different cultural contexts:

– Students participated in an **immersive travel course** in **Mexico City**, exploring the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
– They had the opportunity to engage in **one-on-one discussions** with visiting artists, including **Mickalene Thomas**, through the **Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series**.

## **Looking to the Future**
As the **University of Arkansas School of Art’s** first MA Art History graduates step into the art world, they bring with them **specialized expertise, professional experience, and a strong foundation in museum and cultural work**.

With a curriculum that balances **academic rigor, hands-on training, and financial accessibility**, the **MA in Art History program** is poised to **shape future leaders in the study and curation of the arts of the Americas**.

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