Discover Arts Day
Photos by Logan Falls, Marietta College/BB2C Communication Project Intern
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By Ashlynn Dyson, Marietta College/BB2C Communication Project Intern
On February 28, high school students from in and around Washington County gathered in the Hermann Fine Arts Center (HFAC) at Marietta College to interact with various art-based professionals and explore art-based careers through Discover Arts Day. The opening session included the students socializing with one another, sketching, making bracelets, viewing the displayed artwork, engaging with interactive stations, and coloring on a table covered by a black-and-white coloring sheet.
BB2C’s Community & Career Connected Learning Coordinator, Kristi Leonard-Webber, introduced the event to the students, introduced herself, and encouraged the students to engage and ask questions during the following sessions. She encouraged the students to keep an open mind by saying, “We often have skills that we do not know about because we have not been exposed to them. This is an opportunity to be exposed to them.” The students then split into groups to engage in sessions around topics such as photography, music, journalism, theatre, marketing, and video production. The session facilitators were:
Drew Tanner, Buckeye Hills Regional Council Communication Director
Jill Ruff, Marietta Community Foundation Founder
Holly Hamrick, BB2C Makerspace Assistant Director
Kaitlin Streater, Peoples Bank Theatre Marketing Diretor
Jolene Powell, Fine Artist and McCoy Professor of Art & Director of Gallery 310 at Marietta College
Andy Hall, Video Production/ Animation/ eLearning Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Liz Roderick, Marietta College Graphic Design and Communications Major
In the Atrium of HFAC, Liz Roderick, creator of the mobile app, “Chums”, presented her app and the inspiration behind it. Afterward, a student stayed back and talked to Roderick for several minutes. The student asked questions, shared their interests, experiences, and achievements, and formed a connection with Liz.
Close by in the Gallery Room, Professor Jolene Powell introduced herself and showed the artwork of “She IS Full Circle” currently being displayed in Marietta College’s Gallery 319. She encouraged the students to analyze the displays and provided information about the Graphic Design and Studio Art programs that Marietta College offers.
Over in the Art History Room, Drew Tanner presented on his career and passion for regional photography, music, and journalism. Following the introduction, He had the students capture portraits with the use of light modifiers. The students began experimenting with the photos and lighting and were exchanging many smiles and laughter throughout the activity.
Down the hall in the Drawing Studio, Holly Hamrick taught students how to use Color Code Magnets to design a coded, magnetic track for a robot to follow. The robot followed along the track and changed its behavior depending on the color that was printed on the magnet.
On the other side of the Drawing Studio, Kaitlin Streater shared her position as Marketing Director for Peoples Bank Theatre. In response to her diverse background of careers, she explained to the students, “If you like all the things, do all the things!” She then emphasized the importance of building connections within the community. After elaborating on the details of her career, Kaitlin engaged the students by previewing a video and asking them how they would have marketed that specific show. Students responded with creative answers and even shared about previous shows that they had attended at Peoples Bank Theatre.
In the Computer Lab, Andy Hall introduced himself and his career pathway, which led him to videography. He played numerous videos that displayed his variety of work and explained how he taught himself and perfected his craft to become a “one-man-unit”. Andy encouraged the students by sharing that anything was possible, which led to many students asking questions and expressing their interest in and appreciation for his work.
The event ended with lunch, which allowed students to spend more time with each other, the local professionals, and the art that surrounded them.
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By Elise Hums, Marietta College/BB2C Communication Project Intern
Discover Arts Day was a transformative event for high school students that was hosted on the Marietta College campus. It was offered because many students interested in art may not fully understand what careers their passions can offer them. Discover Arts Day allowed these students to broaden their knowledge, interest, and overall attitude toward the careers that are available within the world of art.
Jenna Stewart, BB2C’s Career Pathway Specialist discussed the importance of Discover Arts Day and the life-long impacts it could make on students. She explained that Discover Arts Day brought an endless realm of new ideas to high school students who are either looking to go into a career in art or students who may have never thought about an art career. The event allowed local students to broaden their knowledge in art fields such as digital marketing, photography, video production, and more. They were able to explore these opportunities in their community, which helped them be more open-minded throughout the day, knowing that these careers were within reach.
Marietta College hosted this event for a couple of reasons. They have Hermann Fine Arts Center, which hosted the event, and students can study art at the College. On a deeper note though, the Center provides a direct insight and vision into what career pathways are available within the arts. As soon as students stepped into the Hermann Fine Arts Center, they were surrounded by all kinds of artwork that was a direct product of the careers highlighted. Students got to see first-hand what an art career could look like, and where their creativity and imagination could take them after high school
Overall, Discover Arts Day was full of fun, laughter, and an exploration of art! Students left with increased awareness and expanded perspectives about career options available to them locally. Students were also interested in learning more about what Marietta College offers for art-based career pathways. Thank you to BB2C, Marietta College’s Herman Fine Arts Center, and all the wonderful art professionals who helped make the event successful.
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By Sage Landis, Marietta College/BB2C Communication Project Intern
What is BB2C?
BB2C is a Nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between education and employment. This looks different for every student/age group. BB2C works with schools in Washington County and beyond.
One event series we offer is Discover Days, which provides place-based learning to actively involve high school student and ensure that they do not only get a sit-and-get experience.
Where was Discover Arts Day held and what did it entail?
It was held at the Herman Fine Arts Center at Marietta College.
BB2C had professions from different realms of the arts including music and dance, theatre and fine-art, and video design and photography.
How do you think Discover Arts Day impacted Marietta College?
Marietta College students were able to be involved, which was not only good for the college students but was also good for the high school students. It benefited both levels of students to see each other and to engage with career exploration through Discover Arts Day. They were all also able to connect with local businesses and professionals.
What are you looking forward to offering at the next Discover Arts Day?
We will continue to expand the type of art-based professions we highlight. We’d love to include a tour of Peoples Bank Theatre in the future. We’d like to increase the number of Marietta College art students who can engage with the high school students. We’d like to include a tour of Marietta College for interested high school students.
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By Heather Miller, BB2C Communications & Engagement Coordinator and COMM 203-06 Instructor
Marietta College Communication 203-06 students had an opportunity to assist with two BB2C events hosted by Marietta College on February 28, 2025. The students acted as BB2C/Marietta College Communication Project Interns and became storytellers, photographers, and facilitators.
Discover Arts Day brought together 57 high school students with seven local art-based professionals to explore career opportunities through the arts.
The Career Mentor Field Trip had close to 70 middle school students participate with over 30 local professionals who volunteer as Career Mentors. Marietta College leadership students planned and ran leadership activities for the students and their mentors.