Ailene goes to Chicago (SAIC)
Donation protected
Hi Everyone!
As many might know, I am moving to Chicago for a Masters degree in Visual and Critical Studies (MA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago! I have been working really hard for this for almost two years now.
During the last two years of my undergraduate degree at Ryerson University, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies once graduating. After searching for graduate programs that I felt would suit me, I came across Visual and Critical Studies at SAIC. It was a blend of art history, critical topics and was open to having students maintain their visual arts practice with access to studios and facilities. Upon reading about this program, VCS felt like the perfect fit. I was so excited to start applying.
Of course, I kept an open mind and applied to other schools in Michigan and New York - but I kept my fingers crossed for SAIC. Once accepted, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the financial aspect, and decided to defer my admittance one year to save up some money by working full time and applying for grants and scholarships. During this time off, I was one of the finalists in a Fulbright scholarship, but unfortunately did not receive the grant (although, I was asked to reapply for my second year). I did, however, receive 20% off my tuition once I applied a second time (to be put back into the pool of applicants, I needed to re-apply) as well as an extra $2, 500 per year while studying.
I toured Chicago in June of this year with a good friend of mine. We spent our time visiting the school and looking at housing options. Chicago is incredible, and the school is even more amazing (There are book binding stations on every floor!). It felt so perfect to know I would be spending the next few years of my life there.
I'm very excited to be starting off in late August with a full course load of classes all surrounding topics of women's studies, critical thinking and visual arts. My long term goal is to teach professionally within these realms - while writing and maintaining a visual arts practice. I hope to always be an advocate for the arts while also supporting and initiating the visual practices and critical thoughts that others may have.
I'm reaching out to you, my friends, family and colleagues for help if you are willing and able. Although I have spent the past year applying for financial aid through several different platforms, I still am in need of assistance. Every bit helps and I appreciate any little bit you may have to offer.
To give you a bit of an idea of what everything costs:
- Tuition, after all extra fees and my financial aid is approximately $25,000 USD per year.
- My rent per month (thanks to some help from lovely alumni at SAIC) is $580.
These fees do not include groceries or school supplies.
I am extremely grateful for all of the support I have received, whether financial or other. I could not have been able to achieve this goal without the amazing people in my life.
- Donor Tiers -
Those who donate $25 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project.
Those who donate $75 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project and receive a SAIC tote bag.
Those who donate $250 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project, receive an 8x10" editioned print of my work completed while in Chicago, and will be given a SAIC tote bag.
Those who donate $500 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project, receive an 11x14" editioned print of my work completed while in Chicago, and will be given a SAIC tote and other merch.
Those who donate $750 + will be given all of the above accompanied by a custom cyanotype.
As many might know, I am moving to Chicago for a Masters degree in Visual and Critical Studies (MA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago! I have been working really hard for this for almost two years now.
During the last two years of my undergraduate degree at Ryerson University, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies once graduating. After searching for graduate programs that I felt would suit me, I came across Visual and Critical Studies at SAIC. It was a blend of art history, critical topics and was open to having students maintain their visual arts practice with access to studios and facilities. Upon reading about this program, VCS felt like the perfect fit. I was so excited to start applying.
Of course, I kept an open mind and applied to other schools in Michigan and New York - but I kept my fingers crossed for SAIC. Once accepted, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the financial aspect, and decided to defer my admittance one year to save up some money by working full time and applying for grants and scholarships. During this time off, I was one of the finalists in a Fulbright scholarship, but unfortunately did not receive the grant (although, I was asked to reapply for my second year). I did, however, receive 20% off my tuition once I applied a second time (to be put back into the pool of applicants, I needed to re-apply) as well as an extra $2, 500 per year while studying.
I toured Chicago in June of this year with a good friend of mine. We spent our time visiting the school and looking at housing options. Chicago is incredible, and the school is even more amazing (There are book binding stations on every floor!). It felt so perfect to know I would be spending the next few years of my life there.
I'm very excited to be starting off in late August with a full course load of classes all surrounding topics of women's studies, critical thinking and visual arts. My long term goal is to teach professionally within these realms - while writing and maintaining a visual arts practice. I hope to always be an advocate for the arts while also supporting and initiating the visual practices and critical thoughts that others may have.
I'm reaching out to you, my friends, family and colleagues for help if you are willing and able. Although I have spent the past year applying for financial aid through several different platforms, I still am in need of assistance. Every bit helps and I appreciate any little bit you may have to offer.
To give you a bit of an idea of what everything costs:
- Tuition, after all extra fees and my financial aid is approximately $25,000 USD per year.
- My rent per month (thanks to some help from lovely alumni at SAIC) is $580.
These fees do not include groceries or school supplies.
I am extremely grateful for all of the support I have received, whether financial or other. I could not have been able to achieve this goal without the amazing people in my life.
- Donor Tiers -
Those who donate $25 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project.
Those who donate $75 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project and receive a SAIC tote bag.
Those who donate $250 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project, receive an 8x10" editioned print of my work completed while in Chicago, and will be given a SAIC tote bag.
Those who donate $500 or more will be mentioned in my final thesis project, receive an 11x14" editioned print of my work completed while in Chicago, and will be given a SAIC tote and other merch.
Those who donate $750 + will be given all of the above accompanied by a custom cyanotype.
Organizer
Ailene DeVries
Organizer
Toronto, ON