Department of Art and Art History - Meet Ayanna

Ayanna ’25 had zero interest in studying art at Hope.

The senior from Nairobi, Kenya, was afraid that by making art her career, she’d lose all passion for it. When professors or staff encouraged Ayanna to study art at Hope, she ignored their pleas. Then, something changed.

“I saw all that I could gain from excellence in the department,” she explained. “At Hope, I have access to professional facilities that allow me to translate my ideas and sketches into finished sculptures, woven forms and textured drawings that I am proud of. The professors and staff are encouraging and have stretched me and pushed my art further than I could have on my own.”

Now, Ayanna is a triple major, studying environmental studies, studio art and French at Hope. She’ll admit it herself; she has a lot of dreams. While she’s putting the finishing touches on her Senior Art Exhibition this spring, Ayanna is also planning her post-Hope life.

“I would love to explore teaching as a career. I know there will be many challenges, but I’m expecting even greater fulfillment,” she shared. “I hope to keep making art and use it as an avenue to explore Kenya and the Kikuyu.”

Ayanna is so thankful she changed her mind. “Critique, something I used to fear, is now something I look forward to. The department encourages collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and skills with classmates,” she said.

Donors like you have changed Ayanna’s life. “I received a scholarship to take a two week stone and photo lithography course from Ox-Bow. Thank you for giving young, uncertain, but fully driven artists the opportunity to try, do and develop new skills. Your dedication to the arts is immensely appreciated,” she shared.

Ayanna is wise, well beyond her years. When asked about the impact of generosity on her Hope experience, she paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. “Generosity is simply finding joy in fulfilling our role in the growth and success of others — some we know and some we don't. Generosity inspires me to purposefully seek out chances to give to and support others with zero expectation of reciprocity and sometimes even recognition or gratitude,” she explained.

Your gifts will inspire the next generation of artists like Ayanna. Help current and future Hope students find their calling with your gift to the Department of Art and Art History today.