Yahri Edmond reports on her experience at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. During her first week, Yahri reports that she loves being there and would like to enroll at the School of the Art Institute in the future. She has also been having fun meeting and learning about the diverse personal backgrounds of other student artists.
“I feel like my art has been improving! We did an abstract and still life (which are the two subjects I try to avoid). It really pushed me out of my comfort zone (especially still life). It was getting a little stressful because I am processing a lot of information and I am holding onto every word the instructor says. The instructor is really cool but he can be intimidating sometimes (though I am learning to be more confident). And, the Teacher Assistant is really cool and next week she is going to teach me how to stretch a canvas so I can do it at home. And the free access to the art museum is extraordinary and very inspiring for my work (I really hope one day my art will be hung there),” Yahri says.
Yahri has been feeling a little homesick during her first week. “I have been calling my parents every time I walk back to the dorms and on breaks. But reading, music and sketching has been my sanctuary this past week,” Yahri reports.
“I learned how to manage my money, which I never did before, and I soon realized that art supplies are EXTREMELY expensive!! For canvases I have always thrifted, been gifted or bought on sale at hobby lobbies. I was almost in tears after spending so much on Blick supplies and I still have to go back next week,” Yahri exclaims!
“Overall everything is great! Next week I feel like it is going to be a little harder since it’s the last week and we are going to be grinding to meet the deadline,” Yahri adds.
Yahri had an enlightening time exploring more of Chicago during her last week of class. She attended a pride parade, shopped at a “massive thrift store,” and rode the famous blue and red “EL” train lines in Chicago for the first time. “I also spent a lot of time at the studio. Later that day, I walked to Blick and bought another canvas that was 30×40. I love this store! I could live in Blick forever!! I asked a store clerk to explain to me the differences between all the canvases. I learned about canvas textures and the different gesso types,” Yahri reports.
“Second week was still very stressful with walking everywhere and learning so much so far. I also was finally getting comfortable with city life. I stopped being scared of the pigeons on the sidewalk and started treating them as if they were my friends too. I can’t get over seeing so many homeless people during my time there. I also spent some time exploring the museum and finding some of my favorite artists there,” Yahri adds.
“We also started two new paintings in the style of collage and our own independent style. I am extremely grateful for the time I spent, the new art skills that I developed, and the people I met. This was really a great learning experience for me and it has driven me to pursue my art career with more passion,” Yahri says.
“I want to thank everyone at the Garwin Family Foundation, the staff at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and my family, for helping me make this happen. This was a life changing experience for me. And, I am very grateful for the opportunity,” Yahri adds.
We are so happy to hear that you had a great learning experience and were able to expand your artistic skills. Excellent work, Yahri!
>> Read Yahri Edmond’s final report (PDF file, 64 KB).
>> Learn about other students’ experiences in the GFF Scholarship Program.
