“I learned so much about working with a group of artists to immerse ourselves deeply in different topics and ideas, siting with the uncertainty of how to share this exploration of ideas with others, and finally how to meld that learning into a platform so that other’s voices and stories can be heard.
-Stephanie Hanson, Stetson University
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“I think what I learned most is how to work with a group. I have had a lot of previous team work scenarios but I think this project has taught me a lot about problem solving, creating new ideas fast, reworking ideas, listening to others, decision making and overall how to create a project where everyone’s voice was heard and incorporated into it.
Online was definitely difficult at times but I don’t think it impeded on group dynamics or the progress of the project.
-Jackie Reiss, St. Lawrence University”
“ I was pushed out of my comfort zone in a way that allowed me to develop confidence and to be freely creative in a collaborative setting. Our community was inclusive, warm, and inspiring. I learned how to turn ideas and thoughts into a project, and how important others are in this process to offer unique perspectives.
-Hannah Buckley, Fordham University Graduate Program in Urban Studies”
“Creating The Place Where Project felt like the perfect answer to our questions. In the creation, we navigated issues that Nancy usually brings into her work such as land dominion and place attachment. We worked to make this project available online but additionally, collaborative. This experience has aided me in confidence, in knowledge of where I want to take my work in the future and has motivated me to create more public work. Our time spent on zoom was long but fruitful in letting the project speak to us and allowed us to metate on what we felt we could bring to the public at this time of quarantine.
We felt motivated by curiosity. The experience was new for everyone, but we understood its power and our influence when we created a platform where people could speak about their emotional connections to place. The internship empowered me. Environmental art is necessary. It’s powerful and impactful on any platform. In any regard. Not just in person, not just online.
Jill Williamson, University of Vermont”
“My involvement with the Nancy Winship Milliken Studio has ranged from serving as an intern in the summer of 2017 to most recently during CO-VID19 supporting the studio’s online internship in the role of internship administrator. Over the years, Nancy has never ceased to be my primary mentor in my academic pursuits as well as my personal creative endeavours as I moved into the post-grad phase of my life. The number of doors Nancy has opened for me are countless. She thoughtfully listens to each member of the studio and instantly provides a voice of excitement, support, and guidance with unwavering genuinity. I experienced this initially as her intern back in 2017 in the ways she helped me prepare for my senior art thesis by dialoguing my interests, sharing resources, and giving me first hand experience with environmental studio work. Working alongside Nancy in this capacity, allowed me to witness the ways her character is so deeply embedded in the nature of her work and studio. She welcomes questions and different perspectives and is always striving to create safe studio culture where each member can explore their passions with the support of others. -Charlotte Murphy, Elon University, post-grad”
