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Student Testimonies
NYCAMS Quote

Student Testimonies

"I came to NYCAMS thinking that I didn't have much to offer, and never dreaming of calling myself by the title "artist." Now I have left, and feel more confident than ever that New York City is the next step I want to make, and the place to which God is leading me back.

Thank you for all the truthful critiques, feedback, and encouragement. I would not have the confidence in my work that I now experience had it not been for your insight."

-J.C. (Judson College, Elgin, Ill.)

"I was so impressed with the NYCAMS program and the experience I have had there. I am appreciative and have gained so much from your personal generosity, and all you have invested in NYCAMS.

I will always attribute this experience to my formation as an artist and hope that as I continue thinking about and developing the work I begun here, our paths will cross again. Please keep me in mind as an avid supporter of NYCAMS!"

-J.M. (Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.)

"I wanted to tell you what a blessing this last semester was in my life. The classes, the internships, all the events and exposure have deepened my life experience in a way that I cannot describe. Not only was NYCAMS an exciting program to be a part of, it is providing me great opportunities hereafter. I have already interviewed at a few firms, and they both said they called me because of the New York internships that I have on my resume!

So, in short, I want to thank you for all of the work that you put into this program. Maybe you know this, but what both of you are doing for students like me is life altering and very rare. Again, thank you for providing the most pivotal four months of my life."

-H.G. (Westmont College, Santa Barbara, Calif.)

"I just wanted to say ‘thanks’ one more time for everything you guys did for us last semester. I had an incredible time at NYCAMS (I am still trying to process everything), and it is in part due to the work all of you put into making the program run.

I learned more about myself as an artist than in any other semester and it was truly a pivotal time in my career as an artist and a student. The city itself provided us with millions of opportunities, but everything was enriched through your guidance and help."

-G.T. (Westmont College, Santa Barbara, Calif.)

"At NYCAMS I began to think of myself as an artist rather than as an art major. Rather than making art simply to satisfy the requirements of a course or assignment, I was encouraged to make it an integral part of my daily life and to think about how my artistic voice might contribute to a wider conversation. New York introduced me to a community of people whose art stemmed from their interactions with one another and with the wider culture. 

I came away energized by the possibility of making art in such a context and I felt that the program had given me an insight into how to make this aspiration a reality that I would not have received anywhere else."

-I.C. (Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill.)

"For me, one of the greatest benefits of NYCAMS was how the program enabled me to meet and befriend several working artists in the city. Visiting their studios gave me exposure to the lifestyle of an artist and demystified the professional side of art making. In these interactions, I was repeatedly counseled about the importance of realizing my passions, and I learned a lot about the transition away from an academic environment to a career driven frame of mind."

-C.H. (Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich.)

"The Post Baccalaureate fellowship at NYCAMS was a flexible way for me to explore career options in my creative field before committing to a specific graduate program. During my nine months in the program I was given access to a unique and safe community situated in the heart of Manhattan. I was introduced to many experienced artists and art-professionals, and was treated as a professional myself. This challenged me to higher levels of discipline and inspired higher goals of accomplishment.

The NYCAMS staff expected me to succeed and supported my interests. Outside professionals in their network were also very encouraging. The investment from these individuals and the relationships that I have begun here will continue to be an integral part of my career and life path."

-B.M. (Post-Baccalaureate Fellow)

“I learned so much mainly because I was living in and experiencing the art world. Contemporary Art History was amazing. The professor was great, extremely passionate and knowledgeable, and we got to see the art we had been learning about in class. I loved the city and feeling part of something much larger than myself.” 

-L.L. (Westmont College, NYCAMS Fall 2007)

“My learning never seems to stop, here. My preparation goes beyond the classes, I am being shaped—whittled and defined. My perspective is changing. I am more globally minded with a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and a new respect for the heritage of America as the melting pot. The lessons I'm learning, the skills I am harnessing, and the experiences of which I am partaking will affect the rest of my life.

-A.M. (Asbury College, NYCAMS Spring 2009)