Student Director-at-Large Ashlyn Pope reflects on her experience…

“I wanted to become a Student Director at Large for NCECA for two reasons. I wanted to be a voice for students and I also wanted to represent a population of artists that don’t get much voice and visibility in the arts and the world. As an African American woman, I believe that my voice could be useful in choosing programming that can inspire, engage and motivate artists of all cultural backgrounds and all professional levels.

The process of the application generally wasn’t too difficult until I discovered I had to make a video. I am not the kind of person who likes being in videos as I barely like having photos taken of myself. I knew that the video had to be completed so had to come up with a creative way to approach this aspect. The process gave me a bit of insight into how volunteering for the board would be as it takes stepping out of your comfort zone in order to make something tangible.

The application process wasn’t my last step before the results of votes casted would be announced, at least for me it wasn’t. I made sure to go around the conference and introduce myself to as many people as I could. I thought it was important to have people interact with a human being and not simply a screen. I also used that time to encourage many to vote, letting them know that their voices count and they should let them be heard.”

Student Director-at-Large Brandon Schnur reflects on his past experience….

“I first approached the Student Director at Large position wanting to bring my personal perspective as a student to the forefront, to make a significant impact on the student programming and advocate more for the students place at NCECA. I was pleasantly surprised at the immediate embrace and equality I received, with my voice heard and considered as much as anyone else (to think, I expected resistance). Even in my first year, helping to cement the expansion of the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition to welcome international students, I knew what I would gain from the position was so much more than what I could bring to it solely.

In a grand scope, it has given me the opportunity and the privilege to work alongside some of my idols and in a more personal way I participated in life changing conversations with people that I would have never interacted with otherwise. The Student Director position has created lasting relationships and gave me a sense of purpose among the larger ceramics community. I have received more for this position than I ever expected to, and I hope that I have helped the students of NCECA as much as they have helped me.”

 

Deadline for Application for SDAL October 10, 2018

For more information wisit the NCECA wesbite 

A Student Director at Large….what do you do?

  • -Serve NCECA’s membership by advocating for student concerns.
  • -Promote calls for student programming and critique room.
  • -Provide support and guidance for the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition (NJSE) in concert with the Exhibitions Director including the following: Identifies qualified jurors, solicits donations of awards, represents NCECA and presents awards at the NSJE reception, provides support to the venue as needed.
  • -Coordinate student initiatives and programming by reviewing proposals, presenter and critique mentor qualifications.
  • -Provide scheduling data pertaining to student programming to the Conference Manager for inclusion on NCECA website, app, and program guide.
  • -Serve as one of the Student Fellowship jurors in the selection of awardees.

Student Directors at Large shall serve as advocates for student concerns and shall coordinate student initiatives and programming. Student Directors at Large shall organize the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition under the guidance of the Exhibitions Director.