Walked the stage, now I'm walking away... kinda

Graduation, Painting the Night, last day as Director of Artist Relations for Albany Barn, Inc., moving, moving into my studio, did I miss anything...

Oh, and I am getting married in less than a month.

Hi!

My name is Christie Rose, and my life is a little crazy. Looking back, sometimes I think to myself... HOW DID I GET HERE?

But in the best way.

I just walked the stage and graduated with my Master's in Art Education. When I was in high school, I honestly didn't think college was going to happen for me. I worked so hard to do what I wanted, in a practical way that wouldn't rock the boat, or make others too uncomfortable. (I planned to go for fashion, then studio art, then photography- not because I couldn't make up my mind, but because my dad said "go for something you can actually make money at, or move out"), awesome.

So I got my undergrad at the College of Saint Rose (RIP). I planned to study business so I would know what I needed to do to open up my own photo studio. When I met with my advisor, I told him I wanted to minor in photography. He said that wasn't a minor (there was a photo major, so I knew there were enough classes and interest). So I asked how many credits were needed, and he told me. So I said, "Well, if there isn't a minor, I will just take all of the classes, and I can tell everyone that I have the minor, I don't really care what it says on my transcript."

He told me that it was a stupid idea.

Holding back tears, I started to leave the business building when I saw the Dean, and my favorite business teacher was in his office. I popped in to say hi, and he knew something was wrong. I was trying to tell him without throwing the other professor under the bus. Before I could even finish my story, he was on the phone and said, "Yes, Christie, yes, the one who just came in, yep, switch her over, I know she's not in the 5-year program. I don't care. Thank you." He turned to me, "ok you are all set".

I was confused, but then he explained that he typically only advised the 5-year accelerated master's students, but he could make an exception because he was the dean, and he saw what I was trying to do.

If he didn't believe in me, I wouldn't have been able to start the MAT program at Sage when I did.

Despite the constant, minor inconveniences life throws at me, everything works out for me.

I had a really hard time getting a job after I graduated from Saint Rose in 2019, and then the pandemic hit.

I focused on the families I was a nanny for, and working in the studio I shared at the Albany Barn.

Eventually, I moved out of that studio and had one in my apartment. I lived alone, and all I did was paint, sew and play. I was isolated, but I still felt full.

Until my day job started requiring 10+ hour-long days of being screamed at over the phone, the Barn posted a job opening, and it felt like a sign. I knew everyone there, I had been involved, been in shows & attended events even after I didn't have a studio there.

I had two interviews, and they told me they would let me know by Wednesday of the following week. I took that week off as a vacation to use my time, thinking I would be giving my two weeks once I hear back.

But I didn't hear back. Sunday night crept around, and I sent another follow-up email. Late that night, I heard back saying they went with the other candidate. I asked what qualifcations did they had that I didn't have because I would be working there one day. They said the candidate had 10+ years of admin experience.

But in 8 months, I got a call asking if I could come in, and they offered me the job.

This was my first week, I worked an event at Quackenbush Square for the ribbon cutting. They talked about what they wanted the square to be, a place for people to gather, to admire the art, and have fun.

And on Saturday, May 16th- my last day working for the Barn, we got to see the Square in all it's glory.

Stilt walkers!

Fire dancer

Painting the Night

I can't even express how crazy it was to see this event come to life. Not only to see all of the incredible work that Albany Barn has done to help make it happen, but knowing that I got to help, that made it so special. I am not on staff anymore, so you can't accuse me of trying to sell you something. Albany Barn is an arts organization for artists, by artists. You can be a member for $60 a year, and be hired for events, programs, public art projects & more. Please check out their website & the 518 Day of Giving page to read more about how they support local artists.

And the fact that the photo booth was right in front of my mural (that I designed with this in mind!), so awesome.

If you want to help a future teacher get what she needs for her classroom, feel free to check out my classroom wishlist!

A bittersweet day

I am so proud of myself & my friends for completing this program. I am the first person in my family to earn a degree at this level. Some of my family wasn't able to finish high school. I am here with my weird hat, proud & ready to teach about art.

All this to say...

I hope you can come see my NEW ART STUDIO, at Albany Barn on Friday, June 5th from6-8pm.