Helen Chow ’09
Studio Art and Government, minor in Psychology
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-L

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite thing is that the department is small enough that professors really put in effort to get to know the students and their work, even professors who has not taught the student are willing to give individual critiques. The department also provides useful information in possible internships, alumni network and ways to develop an artistic career. My least favorite thing is the lack of modern equipment in the studio, especially in the metal shop. Although there are improvements, it is not compatible to that in the engineering school.

Important info for potential majors: You should be ready to spend a lot of time in the studio for each studio class. Since it takes ten studio classes to complete the major, it should be planned out early on in your Dartmouth career. The major does not require choosing a concentration until junior year, but outlining the prerequisites would be a good idea.

Talk to me if:
- you're most interested in sculpture as a medium.
- you're interested in art but worried about options after graduation.
- you're interested in a double major or modifying your major.

Most valuable academic information learned: When choosing what courses and majors, interest should be your first consideration. You should also consider the skills (e.g. analytical, writing…) the course would bring, because in the long run, that matters more than the actual content of the class. Talking to professors and looking for awards and experiences relevant to your major outside Dartmouth is a good way to develop your interests in the area.

Favorite class and professor: Sculpture I (SART 16) with Professor John Lee was the most eye opening experience in my Dartmouth academic career. I went into the class knowing nothing about materials and sculpture. With great amounts of hands on work and plenty of encouragement in risk taking, I made a huge leap by the end of the term.

Major classes taken: SART 15, 16, 21, 25, 31, 73; ARTH 16, 17

Major journey: I have never taken art academically before Dartmouth. I took Drawing I freshman fall and enjoyed it enough to enroll myself into Sculpture I, which inspired me to be a major. Thinking I could use a break from the long studio hours, I skipped studio classes for a term, but that only highlighted my attraction to it. My interest in social sciences changed but it was consistent for art.

Major specific activities: The Melissa Brown Hurlock-Hobson 1993 Award (A proposal-based award that provides monetary support to making a sculpture piece over summer 2007), Award Recipient; possibly Presidential Scholarship Program for Professor Martin Dimitrov in the Government Department, Student Assistant.

Thesis Status: Unplanned.

Other activities: Sigma Delta, Member; Diversity Peer Advisor Program, Student Advisor in training; International Student Mentoring Program, Mentor; HOP Production Team, Staff; AREA, Staff; Standpoints, Staff

Internship experience: I worked for Pro-Active Learning Ltd as the office manager in Hong Kong during Summer 06. I coordinated the two 2-week educational programs with the Site Coordinator. My main responsibility was to maintain relationships with international and local staff members, campus personnel and parents, as well as to update the website daily and design two photo DVDs on the features of the program.

Max Heiges ’10
Studio Art
F08-S09 D-plan: R-O-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite things about the department are the professors and the facilities. Even though there is a new facility under construction, the Studio Art department has nearly every machine/ material Art students could need. The Professors are incredibly insightful and present the material with challenging assignments while also providing the foundations for a well-rounded art education. My least favorite thing about the Studio Art Department is that you can’t wear flip-flops in the studio.

Important info for potential majors: Studio art is more work than people think, but the teachers are constantly there to help for inspiration. Once there is inspiration, all the materials are there and the work does itself.

Talk to me if: you’re curious about either sculpture or painting.

Most valuable academic information learned: The most valuable information I have learned is more of a skill. I learned how to look at my work, and other work, as well as how to look at everyday things that may draw inspiration. I also learned that art is a process, and how to utilize that process to create what I want.

Favorite class and professor: Sculpture 1 and 2 with Professor Brenda Garand.

Major classes taken: SART 15, 16, 20, 21, 31

Major journey: I came into Dartmouth with the expectation of becoming an investment banker like my dad. I had taken art classes my whole life and really enjoyed them but never saw it as any kind of educational focus. I was hooked after I toom sculpture one at dartmout and I felt it didt make any sense pursuing a major that I didn’t love, and I loved doing art so the decision was easy

Thesis status: My thesis is undecided right now, and I have not yet picked a focus for the honors program.

Other activities: Varsity football, social chair, Gamma Delta Chi

Off Campus Program: Transfer term in Barcelona

Internship experience: Assistant for Archie Held, sculptor, Richmond, California.