On Thursday, Feb. 25, at 4:30 p.m., potter and Union alumna Megan Winter lectured in Harvey Hall about her journey from art student to professional artist.
The lecture room was filled with art students and professors as well as alumni who had returned to campus to hear Winter speak. She was introduced by Union University Art Department Chair Aaron Lee Benson. Winter was a former student of Benson, who spoke highly of her work and her time at Union.
Ten years ago, Winter was a freshman art major like many of the students who attended her lecture.
“I didn’t come to Union with any special ability or talent, but just a strong desire to be here, to be an artist and to continue doing it,” Winter said.
Originally having come to Union to study painting, Winter spoke about her childhood love of art and paint and how that love has evolved and found its way into her work. Growing up around a table where everything was served on all the appropriate serveware, the objects of pottery felt familiar to Winter in a way that painting had not. Her intuition led her to pursue ceramics at Union. Pottery, she said, is a very viable career field for students.
“It’s easy reach the cupboards and table of your friends and family, maybe more than the galleries of New York City,” Winter said.
Winter encouraged the art students to take advantage of every opportunity they can while in school, specifically to use the studio and materials while they have them.
“What I found really inspirational about Megan’s lecture is that she came full circle from being a Union art student to where she is now, making it as an artist,” said Ashley Thompson, senior art major. “She really understands where we are as students.”
Winter’s work will be on display in the art gallery in the PAC until March 18.
