Grace An
Year: 2018
Major/Minor: Art History Major, English Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Collections Management, Publication
What does art mean to you?
Art is expression, whether it be of the values of an individual, a culture, or a society. It reveals aspects of human conscious – and often unconsciousness – that the written word sometimes cannot.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
Being surrounded by works of art each day.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I’d want to be Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G Minor Op. 23 No. 5 because it is beautiful, violent, and dramatic. Also because my hands are too small to play it, actually being the piece would be much better than simply being able to play it.
Josh Artman
Year: 2019
Major/Minor: Communications Major, History Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Social Media, Publication
What does art mean to you?
Art is an opportunity for human expression in its purest form! Also, it’s the first part of my last name, which many people like to point out when they find out that I work at an art museum—truly hilarious!
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love the special events that we host for our student and patron communities! For our Grand Opening event in September, I had the prestigious job of handing over the ceremonial ribbon-cutting scissors to members of the McMullen family. (Don’t tell anyone, but I got flustered in the moment and accidentally passed the scissors over blades-end first. Everything worked out just fine, but I’d still like to apologize to the McMullens, and to my first grade teacher Mrs. Palmieri because she definitely taught me how to correctly handle scissors in her classroom. Oops!)
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Probably an internet meme that was funny a few years ago but now would be kind of irrelevant and a little bit grating if you were to come across it on the web today. Ask one of my loving and supportive friends to explain this answer to you if you don’t understand why!
Sarya Baladi
Year: 2019
Major: Islamic Civilizations and Societies
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Collections Management, Event Planning
What does art mean to you?
To me, art means expressing oneself in the most authentic way possible; it means communicating one’s story and philosophy in a way that only the artist can fully understand. The true beauty of art, however, is that everyone is welcome to analyze it, critique it, and attempt to create a connection with the artist.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love bringing BC students into the museum through the various events we host and getting them excited about this beautiful new space as well as the amazing art it holds.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
If I were a piece of art, I would be Starry Night by Van Gogh because daydreaming is my favorite activity.
Jean Bower
Year: 2017
Major/Minor: Art History Major, Film Studies Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Events Planning
What does art mean to you?
Art is the opportunity to see beauty through someone else’s eyes.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love hearing people’s comments as they exit. They are always so excited about what they have learned.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I’d be an extra in a Wes Anderson film, just so I could experience the loveliness of the worlds he creates.
Tanni Chen
Year: 2018
Major/Minor: Art History Major, Philosophy Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Events Planning, Curatorial, Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
Art as the supreme source of joy. – Friedrich Nietzsche
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
We get a chance to get a real experience working in a museum and to learn about the behind-the-scenes of how an exhibition comes into place. Moreover, we get to know the staff, faculty and professors in a different way.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I might be Degas’s Mary Cassatt in the Louvre. I really admire the woman Degas depicted, Mary Cassatt, and it would be exciting to live in Paris with friends in their artist’s circle.
Christy Coco
Year: 2017
Major/Minor: Theatre Major, Art History Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Social Media, Events Planning
What does art mean to you?
I see art as a form of personal expression and and a way to gain perspective on different cultures. Art that speaks to me can bring me to tears and I lose all track of time when I’m with it.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I really enjoy working the events at the museum and creating exciting opportunities that entice students to the museum for their first visit or for their tenth. After getting people in the door, I have no doubt they’ll realize what a beautiful gem this place is.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
If I were a piece of art, I would be the song “These Boots Are Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra. Why not?
Isabella Crawford
Year: 2019
Major/Minor: International Studies, Management and Leadership Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Events Planning, Videography
What does art mean to you?
Art is not only a form of expression, but it also is a medium that brings people together. I think it is an extremely powerful learning tool, and, because of its universal qualities, is also a device to spark great, intelligent conversation.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I have most enjoyed seeing the student events come to life in our Art After Dark Series. As part of the events planning committee, it is extremely rewarding and exciting to see our ideas and plans in action. I’ve loved seeing students enjoy our events, make use of our beautiful new space, and I’m looking forward to the events we are planning for the future.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Because of my strong interest in film, I think I would have to say that I’d be a movie of some kind. As a film student, I’ve loved learning about all of the different components of production. Every aspect of a film is strategically thought out, which, as a very meticulous person, I think reflects me well. Additionally, movies are a very approachable art form, unlike some other more abstract mediums. I like to think that I too am very approachable and non-intimidating.
Cindy Ding
Year: Junior
Major(s)/Minor(s): Art History Major/Studio Art and Econ Minor
Committee(s): Digital Humanities, Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
My major and minor; my interest and pain.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love the working environment. Being a museum faculty and working in a museum is a great experience. I can see what’s behind the scene and learn how a museum is operated.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be Monet’s Haystacks. Just like the color of haystacks will change according to the change of light and time, I’m also highly changeable and always influenced by the environment.
Isabella Duffy
Year: 2017
Majors: Marketing, Art History
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Social Media
What does art mean to you?
Art is pretty cool. 8/10 would recommend.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love being able to work around art, especially this current exhibition. The visitors enjoy it and I love hearing from them on their way out. I also love showing people where the bathrooms are.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be a Rothko I think. Pretty simple on the outside but more complex when you look deeply into it (or is it?), and no one really knows what to make of me.
Patrick Dunne
Year: 2018
Majors: Economics, Philosophy
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Publication, Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
Art, to me, is humanity’s attempt to capture beauty in one of its many forms.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
One of my favorite things to do as an SA is walking out onto the terrace during a sunny day.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I think I would be the painting Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich because I’m a romantic at heart.
Carolina Gazal
Year: 2018
Majors: English, Communications
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Social Media, Videography
What does art mean to you?
To me, art is not something two-dimensional. It is something that brings awareness to a new idea, one that people would not otherwise have thought about. Art is a way to portray important themes and concepts that invites conversation, and shows everyone’s diverse or related views on a subject.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I like that I get to see what goes on “behind the scenes” at a museum. I get to see the planning and preparation that goes into an exhibit and how it all comes together. I would have never been able to see this process firsthand if I wasn’t a Student Ambassador.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would probably be a film, because I would have to represent myself visually. I also tend to find myself in unlikely situations, suspenseful moments, and plot twists.
Ellen Hill
Year: 2017
Major(s)/Minor(s): English
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Digital Humanities
What does art mean to you?
I feel like art is a form of storytelling. Who are you? Where do you come from? How do you think, and what’s important to you? I love that art tells a different story for each person, from the artist to the viewer.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love having the chance to work on projects that I would never have explored otherwise; I’m learning all about Arts Administration and the Digital Humanities, and the ways in which the field of museum studies is evolving. It’s fascinating work!
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I think I’d be a painting of some kind.
Sarah Hodgens
Year: 2018
Majors: Psychology, Art History
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Events Planning, Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
To me, art means the fun and exciting expression of one’s ideas, thoughts and feelings.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
The thing that I like the most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum is all of the guests that I get to interact with and have conversations with. I have been privileged to meet and converse with some brilliant, exciting and interesting people as they come into the museum to look at the exhibition.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
If I were to be any kind of art, I would have to say I would be something by Wassily Kandinsky. I am all over the place, colorful, and I try to think outside of the box.
Dante Keeler
Year: Senior
Major: English, Creative Writing Concentration
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Publication Committee, Curatorial Committee
What does art mean to you?
Art means something that we aspire to; beauty, goodness, and truth should ideally be contained within. The structure can be loose, but the message should be clear—if it isn’t, the artist hasn’t done a good job in servicing his audience. What we pursue, what we try to reclaim from life.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I like being close to this cool and developing aspect of the BC community and the Boston community at large. It’s a great chance to work with wonderful people and to see the new faces enjoying the exhibit every day. The exhibits and the environment of the museum itself are fun to be around, since everything has a history here.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Heroic sculpture, running, drawing a sword.
Faye Hubregsen
Year: 2017
Major: Economics
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Digital Humanities, Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
Art is what makes me jump out of bed in the morning.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
Interacting with art enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors as well as visiting BC alumni, fellow ambassadors, and the wonderful staff at the McMullen Museum of Art.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
If I were a piece of art, I’d be a stained-glass window.
Simar Juneja
Year: 2019
Major/Minor: Finance
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Events Planning
What does art mean to you?
Art to me is the simplest form of communication.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
Being a student ambassador at the McMullen Museum overall has been a great experience. From the people that I have met here to the events that I have worked on.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Nicola McCutcheon
Year: 2017
Majors: Classics, History
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Collections Management
What does art mean to you?
Art is such an important piece of material culture throughout history, and I love seeing how much art from different periods or places represents the culture and identities of persons in that era.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love talking with all of the different visitors who come to the Museum! I had no idea that the McMullen had so many fans outside of BC, and it’s great to see how much the community cares about the museum.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be a Roman mosaic, because I LOVE them! I am currently writing my senior thesis on representations of elite status in Roman Britain through images on villa mosaics.
Anna Olcott
Year: 2017
Majors: English, Hispanic Studies
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Publication
What does art mean to you?
Art is the best medium through which we can communicate and represent life experience in all its beauty and ugliness.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love interacting with the passionate, interesting, and enthusiastic people who come through the museum’s doors. I also love working with such a diverse and artistically motivated group of ambassadors.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be a pumpkin that fellow Student Ambassador Vincent Roca painted my face on.
Erika Osada
Year: 2019
Major(s)/Minor(s): Studio Art & French, Economics Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Curatorial
What does art mean to you?
Self-expression. It is a form of communicating my emotions and perceptions.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love how I get to work behind the scenes, and see how the museum functions behind the displays and exhibits.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Monet’s “La Japonaise” because as a Japanese American, I strongly identify with the cultural symbols in the piece.
Vincent Roca
Year: 2017
Major: Studio Art
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Videography, Curatorial
What does art mean to you?
Art and Artists are the center of the universe, the world operates so that we may carry out our most useless of tasks.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I can be a liaison between the art world and the world world.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
Myself–life art came to prominence in the 1960’s.
Brantford Park
Year: 2019
Major: Economics
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Social Media, Digital Humanities
What does art mean to you?
I appreciate art for its ability to shape my mood and evoke strong emotions from me. It’s always so interesting trying to figure out what was going through an artist’s mind.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
What I love most about being an SA at the McMullen is being able to experience the amount of growth the museum has gone through in such a short period of time. I’ve learned a lot about working as a team, and trying to creatively shape the experience of the museum.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be Balloon Dog (blue) by Jeff Koons at the Broad. It’s one of my favorite sculptures in my hometown of Los Angeles.
Alyssa Vaughn
Year: 2017
Major/Minor: English Major, American Studies Minor
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Publication, Events
What does art mean to you?
To me, art allows us to express our individual human experiences and communicate them with the world.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
I love talking to everyone who comes into the museum about the exhibition and hearing what they thought of it! Everyone comes out with different impressions and different favorite pieces.
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I would be one of Degas’s ballerinas, because I love being onstage and expressing myself through dance!
Echo Zhuge
Year:2020
Major(s)/Minor(s): Classics
Committee(s) at the McMullen: Collections Management, Digital Humanities, Social Media
What does art mean to you?
Self-expression.
What do you like most about being an SA at the McMullen Museum?
My favorite part of being a student ambassador among many many other things is the sighting of the hawk and other rare birds on the grass right outside of the museum
If you were a piece of art, what would you be?
I will be the ocean (Nature’s greatest piece of art).
2021–2022 Student Ambassador Gallery
2020–2021 Student Ambassador Gallery
2019-2020 Student Ambassador Gallery