Meet Alyssa Dolleschal, a 2023-2024 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Alyssa is an MFA student majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in Print Media and Photography.
Please give a short overview of your research.
I create artwork focused on exploration of culture through familiar iconography. I am of German and Mexican descent and frequently reflect that through the imagery in my work. I predominantly work in printmaking with a focus on lithography and intaglio.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
I choose to attend Kent State for the amazing facilities in the print department as well as the faculty. I knew it would be a place where I could grow my work conceptually and hone my technical skills.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school? and/or What do you anticipate taking advantage of at KSU?
I enjoy the community in the school of art. The faculty here is so knowledgeable and open and I know I can learn a lot from them. They’re extremely supportive in my work. I definitely anticipate taking advantage of all the avenues for research while at Kent State from the library to the other art facilities on campus.
What are your future goals?
I am focused on advancing as an artist and building my practice to share with my community. My goal is to establish more accessibility to art, printmaking specifically, and give forward the knowledge I learn during my graduate studies. I’d like to become a visiting artist and teach more students across various universities.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
I am a first generation college student and this award is important to me as it allows me to focus more energy on my work and research through funding. It will aid me in buying supplies to keep creating my prints as well as help fund my travel study course. I am grateful for the opportunities this award has given me.