Student Scholar: April 4

Daniel Allsup
The Paw Print

Brittany Petsche came to Adams State University three years ago because she “didn’t want to go to a big college [but] wanted to go someplace small.” She chose the college on recommendations from others.

“I’d heard a lot of good things about the Valley,” she says, “and the art program.” Petsche is currently an Art Education major with a 3.0 GPA.

At Adams, Petsche has found a good support group that has helped her become the successful student she is. “I made a few really good friends: we’ll go to the library and study, do homework together, and that way we can both help each other,” she explains.

“In education classes, they say if you can teach someone else you’ll understand it.”

Petsche values the relationships she has built at Adams, which give her much educational benefit. “This year I have met a lot new friends,” she says. “I went on a trip with the CASA house to Taos, to experience a celebration on an Indian reservation. There we were able to bond for two days.”

Another key to Petsche‘s success has been ASU professor Dr. Gawronski. “She’s amazing and has helped me with everything my first two years in education and ceramics. She believes in us. I’ll show her a sketch, and she’s like, ‘Let’s make this happen,’” Petsche comments.

Ceramics is now Petsche’s passion, though it wasn’t always. “I grew up wanting to paint,” she explains, “but I’ve grown to really like ceramics. I think that’s going to be my emphasis. I love working with clay and my hands.”

An artist that Petsche admires is Sandy Skoglund, a photographer and   installation artist. “I went to the Denver Art Museum and they had ‘Fox Games’ by Sandy Skoglund. I just loved her repetition, because in ceramics you repeat things: you don’t make just one cup; you make four.”

Another artist Petsche favors is Andy Warhol. “With the pop art,” she explains, “he had totally contrasting colors. That’s always exciting to see, and with ceramics, there’s so many options you can do with painting it and firing it. You never know what you’re going to get.”

At Adams State so far, Petsche has made teapots, cups, bowls and plates. However, she is most proud of her teapots.

When Petsche completes her Art Education degree she plans to use her passion to make an impact on children.

Petsche shares her plan: “After graduating, I plan to get a teaching job in the Springs or Denver. I’d like to teach elementary school, K-5. They’re just so young and vibrant. I just really want to go out there and teach art.”

Clearly Petsche has been inspired by her time at Adams, and shortly she’ll be able to put that drive into young students. For those who aren’t as passionate about their fields as she is, Petsche offers some encouragement. “Do what you love, and be proud of what you do, and enjoy life.”

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