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Alumna Receives Art Grant to Further Career
Ashley Shellhause
Department: Art
Class: 2008
  • Ashley, a recent graduate of the Department of Art at Otterbein, recently completed her master of fine arts (MFA) degree at Miami University of Ohio and was awarded a $15,000 arts grant from the Joan Mitchell Foundation Inc. MFA Grant Program. The purpose of the grant is to help MFA painters and sculptors in furthering their artistic careers and to aid in the transition from academic to professional studio work upon graduation, according to a press release from the Foundation.

    "It was a big confidence boost for me," Ashley said of the grant. With the money, she said she plans to set up her own studio and conduct creative research. Also, a large part of the grant will assist in the purchase of a digital projector, wood shop equipment and exploring encaustic painting, which involves adding colored pigments to heated beeswax.

    While at Otterbein, Ashley said she was inspired by several faculty members including Jeff Lehman, professor of life and earth sciences, and Don Austin, professor of art, who seem to enjoy their work.
  • "Just being around people like that made me determined to do what I like and like what I do," she said.

    She also credits art professors Joanne Stichweh, retired, and Nicholas Hill for inspiring her as an artist.
  • "Joanne was passionate about her students' work, her own art and about beauty in art in general. I think I have carried some of her ideas about beauty along with me," Ashley said. "Nicholas showed me that artists can, and I think should, be professional. He helped me shape my idea of what kind of a professional I want to be."
  • Ashley recently finished a master's of fine arts degree at Miami University and is seeking a college-level teaching position. This summer, she will also be working on a mural and traveling to Spain to study the culture.