An interview with Elizabeth Addesso ’25.
What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
For the past three years, I was a gallery assistant at the Trustman Art Gallery. I had the opportunity to work with local Boston artists and learn about the daily operations of a gallery. [Working] in the gallery has been integral to my education at Simmons, both for the professional experience and the chance to connect with the Boston art community.
The Trustman has exhibited art in a wide variety of mediums, which has broadened my perspective on art and opened up the possibilities of what art can be. I always looked forward to the installation week because I loved hearing the artists talk about their work and the inspiration behind it.
These conversations are one of the many valuable takeaways I’ve had during my time working here. The Trustman plays an important role in offering students the opportunity to engage with art and artists and my involvement over the past three years has greatly impacted my career moving forward.
Did your course of study entail any internships or travel/study abroad opportunities?
I studied art and Italian culture in Florence, Italy. It was particularly impactful to have the opportunity to be in the physical presence of the art we discussed in the classroom. My favorite class was the painting conservation course because we were able to work on real paintings from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and I even learned how to gild objects.
Studying abroad also presented some personal challenges; it was the first time I was alone in a country where I didn’t speak the language and had never traveled to before. Although sometimes difficult, I gained valuable insight on another culture and also learned a lot about myself in the process. These are experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of traveling abroad to learn about myself.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
Hands down the “New York City Arts Administration Institute” (AADM 236). For the month of June [2022], we lived in New York City and attended a class that was divided into a seminar portion in the morning and a site visit in the afternoon … This was my first arts administration class and it seemed incredibly daunting to navigate a huge city while learning [a new subject]. This class was pivotal in connecting the discussions we had in the classroom to real-world examples and it offered practical insight into the art world … It gave me insight as to what is out there which has since fueled my passion for the arts.
Moreover, New York City was integral to my development both as a student and as a person. On our days off, we would explore museums, galleries, events, shows, and parades that have continued to serve as inspiration for me even after three years. Being able to celebrate Pride Month in one of the largest cities in the world could only be described as empowering. I think back to [that experience], especially seeing the struggles our community faces today, because it reminds me that we all have each other and that we will always be here.
I’m not sure there are words to describe what this class means to me; the only thing I can do is express my sincere gratitude to Professor Heather Hole for facilitating the class and Jane Wesman ’69 for funding it. It has truly left a mark on my life.
Who was your most inspirational Simmons professor/mentor and why?
Assistant Teaching Professor Helen Popinchalk has known me since my very first day at Simmons and has watched me grow from a first-year student who was too scared to participate in class to an emerging senior in the art world. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked with her both in the classroom and in the gallery, and have learned so much from her as a mentor and as a teacher.
Professor Popinchalk has always been supportive of my work, and I attribute a lot of my success to the generous opportunities she has provided me with to challenge myself. Her passion and dedication extend beyond just the classroom or gallery, and have acted as sources of inspiration that I will carry with me beyond my career at Simmons. I am a reflection of the many people who continuously support and inspire me and I am very grateful to have Professor Popinchalk as a mentor.
How did you find your community at Simmons?
I attended several events hosted by the Art and Music Liaison during my first year and later joined the Executive Board during my sophomore year, and have participated ever since. I’ve met some of my best friends in the Liaison and I’m grateful to be surrounded by a community that is passionate about the arts … These friends have made a profound impact on my time at Simmons and I hope that the Liaison continues to serve the art community in the future.
In your experience, what was the best part about attending college in Boston?
When I think about what inspires me and where I find [that inspiration], I think of the DIY [music] scene and the local movie theaters. Not only have these things allowed me to explore my identity, but they have also opened my eyes to the world around me and have thus defined my time in Boston.
I didn’t have much interest in movies or music before I came here and my appreciation for them now can be attributed to these outlets. There’s always something going on and I encourage everyone to get involved in whatever community they’re interested in because Boston has a lot to offer.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Do things that make you uncomfortable, whatever that may mean to you. I remember feeling really anxious before going to New York City, to the point where I considered not going altogether, and I thank my parents every day for making me go … I’ve learned that every time I feel scared of a situation, it usually means I’m about to learn something, therefore, the only way out is through.
Combating that anxiety has also taught me to try everything once and to be open to change. In turn, I’ve found inspiration in places I wouldn’t have otherwise looked. College is a time to figure yourself out and experiment, so be daring and go out into the world!