Performing Painter: Sarah Rowan Dahl ’03

By Sarah Rowan Dahl ’06

My career as a painter took an early and interesting curve when I was thrown into the deep end and had my first experience painting in front of a crowd of 4000 people at a concert. The rush of adrenalin, lack of time to over-analyze brushstrokes, and fun in entertaining others made my work extremely satisfying. Since that opportunity, I have painted “live” about 100 times at all sorts of venues and events, with crowds both large and small. These events then lead to commissioned works, photo shoots, more Facebook fans, and the beautiful snowball effect continues.https://www.youtube.com/v/3UjmEge6o6E” css=”.vc_custom_1455744252478{margin-top: -12px !important;}

Art at Converse

One of the joys and benefits of college life is a perpetual creative environment that allows one to bounce ideas off others and at times help each other when projects outgrow one brain and two hands. I found the art program at Converse thoroughly well-structured, challenging, and nurturing.

Being in an all-female environment provided a safe place to develop.

Artists, especially young female artists, can be a rather sensitive bunch to work with, and I think being in an all-female environment provided a safe place to develop. Class critiques were extremely helpful as professors and students provided honest responses and challenges to one’s work in such a way that one did not feel shattered afterwards. The relationships I built with the Art department also helped me with career questions and encouragement, as the bumps and hiccups of any career—particularly in the arts—can be daunting.

Exhibiting as a Student

One of the biggest keys Converse provided in its curriculum was the senior solo exhibition. I remember drawing goals and ideas for the show even in my freshman year and steadily preparing for it throughout each semester. Being fully responsible for every aspect of an exhibition prior to graduating provided many necessary tools to pursuing art full-time, from deadlines to money-management, framing to hanging, catering to invitations, etc. Since graduation I have contacted fellow alumnae with various questions about materials, current works, and project ideas, which causes me to miss the classroom environment and steady flow of communication.

Life as a Young Artist

Upon graduation, I continued painting while waitressing part-time to navigate the options of how I wanted to pursue an art career. I joined a local art community, entered a few group exhibitions, and volunteered in helping renovate a warehouse into an arts studio so I could mingle with professional artists and glean all the knowledge I could from their life experiences.

Pursuing an art career can be both exhilarating and terrifying.

Pursuing an art career can be both exhilarating and terrifying.The family bond forged at Converse in small class environments and the nature of the school allow for you to journey through the highs and lows of the art world together.

The professors continue to celebrate my victories with me and are there for me when I reach seasons in my business that need additional navigational help. The facilities, faculty, and curriculum at Converse are well equipped to train budding artists, and I recommend Converse College and its art program to others.