Creative Endeavors

[Bridgette Mongeon]

Education is a topic that is dear to my heart. I will often assist in many areas of education, speaking at high schools, judging art contest and my regular areas of support are those with education as their focus.

The topic has also become very personal to me in the last years, as I have returned to school. It is an interesting topic because I had fought the idea for a long time, believing I could make it on my art alone and didn’t need the education. It was true, and I have done that. However, I began to see those, much older than myself, needing an education as they neared retirement. It is strange they don’t say that when you are young. Education is supposed to be something for the young. It is something that you encourage people to do because they need to. Now I am doing it because I want to.

What would happen if I could not sculpt? If, God forbid, arthritis came? I also enjoy the challenge mentally. I would never had considered going back to school had it not been for the incredible way of learning at Vermont College Union Institute. At this college you create your own study. Which meant that I could still do what I was doing, and receive credit. Of course I had to document it and follow their guidelines. I would highly recommend this institution for anyone in the creative field. Another college that works with progressive education is Goddard College.

I graduated in October of 2006. Through those three semesters I worked on numerous pieces of artwork and focused on creating my book “Bringing to Life the Spirit of the Deceased—A Sculptor’s journey.” I’m presently looking for publishers. With Vermont College Union Institute my education did not take away from my studio work, on the contrary it added to it!

I plan on continuing my education, though the direction is uncertain. Most would think I would proceed with a MFA in sculpture. Somehow that feels boring and too easy. I have entertained the MFA in children’s literature. I would do this at Vermont College, which is known nationally for their writing programs. I also have thought about combining the masters with a doctorate. I am aching to get there. At this present date my PDH will be on the study of creativity, especially as it pertains to neurology and behavioral psychology.

I have a blog that I created about my journey through the maze of education. You can find it at http://www.perpetuallearner.blogspot.com/.

In this section I hope to cover many different aspects of education. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.