This summer, I immersed myself in two rewarding roles: assisting at the Summer Arts Camp and working at the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County.
At the art camp, I had the opportunity to work with some incredibly creative 2nd–through
4th-grade students from across Montgomery County. From clay projects to watercolor
experiments, these young artists consistently impressed us with their ideas and energy every single day. The camp was made possible through a Wabash College Restoring Hope, Restoring Trust Community Partnerships Mini-Grant, which allowed us to offer it at no cost to families. It’s a small but meaningful way Wabash continues to invest in the local community, and I’m proud to have been part of it.
After the art camp concluded, I transitioned to my second role of the summer: working at the Carnegie Museum. There, I helped bring art, history, and imagination to life through community-centered programming and exhibitions.
I designed and led weekly drop-in art workshops for children and families, called Midweek Masterpieces. Each session offered a new hands-on experience connecting to local history, placemaking, or creative experimentation, ranging from printmaking with natural textures to building future cities through blueprints. I developed activities, organized materials, and guided young visitors, helping make the museum a welcoming space for learning and self-expression.
I also coordinated “Sound and Silence,” a community art show featuring artists from Montgomery County. My responsibilities included promoting the exhibit, managing artist communication, tracking submissions, and designing signage.
In addition to these major projects, I’ve supported SMASH Saturdays (Science, Math, Art, Space, and History) and contributed to the museum’s upkeep, projects, and learning about its daily operations.
Throughout the summer, my work has centered on making art accessible, imaginative, and rooted in the stories of this community. Whether I’m sketching out a new workshop or discussing an artist’s piece with them, I’ve experienced firsthand how creativity and culture can unite people. Looking back, I’m proud not only to have been part of this work but also to have helped create a space where imagination and community can flourish together.
