Women in Art: Panel of Experts
(Posted September 28, 2016)
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Women in art careers face a unique set of challenges to overcome. On Sept. 19 a panel of women from Juniata College and Huntingdon shared their experience and journeys throughout their careers.
For all of these women, it was a no-brainer that they would either become artists themselves or work closely with art in museums and galleries.
Kathryn Blake, director of the Juniata College Museum of Art, has learned to love museums since she was young. “We always went to places like museums, and that’s important,” she said. Her childhood love of art led her to a career path where she can share that same experience with others.
Some women, like Ilona Ballreich, former director of the Huntingdon Arts Council, dealt with backlash and criticism that an art career is not lucrative. “When I finished high school there was still the sentiment that you do art when you don’t have to worry about income.” Ballreich has dispelled that stereotype and has not only made a very successful career for herself, but is a role-model for others.
It’s intimidating to jump into an art career, but it is extremely rewarding. Blake said: “If you do something that gives you satisfaction every day, it’s worth it.” Too often, students choose career paths based on their career prospects instead of their passions and interests, and it is important to remind students to put their own happiness first.
Laura Snyder, Juniata Online Journalist
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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.