Art & Art History Valedictorian Elyse Miyake

portrait of young person with straight black hair in a parklike setting

What's a memorable experience you had studying at Western?

After working on my portfolio for four years, finally having three of my art pieces in my class's group exhibition my senior year felt very rewarding.

Who are some of your mentors, and how did they help you succeed?

I'd like to acknowledge my printmaking professor Lisa Turner and my painting professor Cynthia Camlin, for putting up with my perfectionism, allowing me to struggle and grow, pushing me toward my goals. As were my English professors who balanced my busyness with patience and personality: Lee Gulyas, Laura Laffrado, Nancy Johnson and Margaret Fox. They helped me become okay with being me.

What's Next?

Hopefully, after quarantine passes, my plan is to go abroad to pursue art along with teaching English internationally, continuously building my portfolio.