Meet 2019 CCA Graduate Caroline Bastian
Caroline Bastian, Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art and Architecture
Cum Laude
Minor: Museums and Society
Co-major: Arts Management
Next Stop: Penn State University to pursue a Master’s in Art History with a specialization in African Art.
Caroline knew that she wanted to go to grad school since arriving at Miami. Caroline shared that "Dr. Jordan Fenton really helped me along the way serving as both a professor and mentor. I was able to gain incredible experience while at Miami to build my resume and network, thus providing me the various skills and goals necessary to pursue another degree." Excitedly, this combination of experiences and skills resulted in a full scholarship to Penn State University.
What was your biggest accomplishment during your Miami experience?
I interned at the Smithsonian during the summer between my junior and senior year, while also receiving a grant from the University Summer Scholars program to work on an honors thesis. The internship consisted of research for the Curatorial Department at the National Museum of African Art. The department oversees research, organizes exhibitions, responds to public inquiries, and makes recommendations concerning museum acquisitions. Interns work directly with curators on specific research topics related to objects and future exhibitions. Though it was challenging, I was able to quickly establish identifying characteristics of numerous styles found throughout continental Africa and apply it to my work. I also spent a significant amount of time researching the current collection to find reference pieces for future acquisitions.
Can you share a memorable story from your time at Miami?
I was fortunate enough to participate in Arts Advocacy Day (a two day lobbying conference in Washington DC) to meet with Ohio representatives in Congress and ensure the funding of arts related programs all over the country.