For Kaitlind Marek Fasburg, going from a passive dabbler to an ArtPrize artist had a lot to do with a Northview High School art teacher who pushed her to work harder and dream bigger.
Fasburg, whose “Cnidaria Collection” was displayed at the Women’s City Club in ArtPrize 2013, received a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Art and Design. But the Kentwood resident said she never thought of earning a degree when she began studying art at Northview. “I liked art classes because they were fun, but I never considered becoming an artist,” says Fasburg, a 2008 graduate.
That changed her senior year when she began taking classes from Tricia Erickson, who challenged her to a higher level of excellence and encouraged her to pursue art in college.
“That’s when I started to really care about making art,” Fasburg says. “Her classes inspired more purpose and commitment to my artwork, and that is something I’m very grateful for.”
After initially enrolling at Cornerstone University, Fasburg transferred to U-M’s art program. She now works out of a home studio while holding down a part-time job.
This is her second ArtPrize entry; the first was in 2010. It features some of her “wearable sculpture” inspired by the coral reefs and sea life she saw in the Cayman Islands. “I’m thrilled especially to be showing my work at the Women’s City Club,” she adds. “I feel very honored to be a part of it.”
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