Students benefit from Racine Art Museum expert guest speaker

On April 16, Carthage students experienced a unique educational opportunity as Tricia Blasko, curator of education at the Racine Art Museum, visited Professor Kelly Kruse’s Visual Communication class to share insights and engage students in a hands-on learning project.

Ms. Blasko discussed the Racine Art Museum’s role in the community and its significant collection, which is the largest contemporary craft collection in the United States. Over the past 20 years, the museum’s holdings have expanded dramatically from 2,200 to 11,000 works, illustrating its commitment to growing and maintaining a vibrant artistic hub.

During her visit, Ms. Blasko introduced students to various educational programs and exhibitions currently on display at the museum. She emphasized the importance of branding in the art world, guiding students through the process of creating their own personal logos. The session culminated in a hands-on project in which students designed their own monograms and transformed these designs into three-dimensional pieces using tinfoil metal, allowing them to apply their newly learned skills in a tangible form.

The students were highly engaged, benefiting from Ms. Blasko’s expert advice as she worked with them one-on-one to refine their designs.

Prof. Kruse highlighted the value of such interactions, stating, “Bringing real-world experts like Tricia Blasko into the classroom is crucial for broadening our students’ horizons. It not only enhances their learning experience, but also helps them navigate their career paths by exposing them to professional insights and practical skills directly relevant to their fields of interest.”

Carthage is committed to providing students with access to distinguished professionals and unique educational experiences that prepare them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Communication and Digital Media Department

For more information, contact:

kkruse@carthage.edu