The moment she walked out the door of REACH Studio Art Center for the first time, Residential College in the Arts and Humanities senior Emily Nott knew she had to be a part of it, which has now led her to recognition in the community.
Through her hard work and dedication at the REACH Studio Art Center, Nott was awarded the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union Residential College in the Arts and Humanities Dean’s Choice Award for Innovations in Civic Engagement.
REACH Studio Art Center is a nonprofit organization, located in Lansing, where teachers and volunteers are dedicated to making art available to children who do not have access to it.
Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, or RCAH, Dean Stephen Esquith said Nott’s work toward the REACH Teen Open Studio put her in a position to win this award.
“Emily has been the primary driver behind the Teen (Open) Studio,” Esquith said. “We are looking forward to expanding our contributions with the Teen (Open) Studio at REACH because of Emily’s work.”
RCAH Communications Manager Katie Wittenauer said Nott’s creative skills and capability to engage teens in programs fetched her this $2,500 award.
“Emily was chosen as the winner of the award because of the innovative ways in which she has worked to develop a program where teens are engaged in decision-making processes and the creation of the public art projects,” Wittenauer said.
Nott, who is graduating in December, said she gains fulfillment through her work and plans to travel to schools in China and Europe and receive a teaching certification.
“My time at MSU in RCAH and working with this community has taught me to be a teacher, a learner, an artist and a critical thinker,” Nott said. “And to find, appreciate and embrace the beauty of places around me.”
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