Young at heart, Hall pursues studio art degree as adult

For most students who pass through the Dean of Studies Office, Pamela Hall appears a like any other friendly Vassar employee. What few realize is that Hall is a member of a small group of adults who are enrolled in courses her on campus. Hall has worked at Vassar since 1993. In 2001, Hall worked in the Visual Resources Library for the Art History Department, manning computers and acting as a liaison for media resources before the Library switched to digital imaging. "It really sparked my interest in art again," Hall explained. Now she is a talented studio art major on track to receiving her degree.

Hall first began taking classes at Vassar in 1996 when she wanted to learn Spanish, but was uninterested in obtaining a degree at the time. Later, she began taking classes in other departments including psychology and art history.

Vassar only allowed employees to take about six classes if they were not matriculated and having earned many credits from a previous institution, she decided that it would be to her benefit to officially enroll at Vassar.

"It's been a good experience. All of the departments have been cooperative with me taking classes and working here," Hall said. "I usually go to class during my hour lunch break, and it gets a little difficult being a studio art major because of the longer sessions, but I've been able to work it out."

In her time at Vassar, Hall has been able to take her artwork to a new level. After taking a co-taught animation course with Associate Professor of Computer Science Tom Ellman and Professor of Art Harry Roseman, she is now fascinated by the idea of putting her drawings and sketches into motion. She is also greatful to have had the chance to take courses with other professors in the department who have helped her become a better artist.

Hall took her first drawing course at Vassar with Visiting Professor of Art Gina Ruggeri, and painting course with Associate Professor of Art Peter Charlap.

"I've been drawing my whole life, but I've never been throroughly trained. Ruggeri showed me basic techniques and their was nothing intimidating about her class, but everything was important. Charlap had a peculiar way of teaching but it was really good," Hall said. "Sometimes I would paint something and it was not what I expected and he got me to see something in the mistakes. He teaches you how to see the mistakes and works with you to either make something of it or get what you intented. He has a method and I love that."

Hall also describes the experience of being in a classroom setting with other students as stimulating to her learning and work. "I love being in a class with a lot of students because it's amazing to see all of the talent. It's inspiring to me and you also get to witness the growth that happens from the beginning of the course to the end," Hall explained. Charlap appreciated Hall's enthusiasm and willingness to learn. "Adult students are often opinionated and hold on dearly to what they already know," said Charlap. "Pam is different, she is very open to criticism and is eager to embrace new ideas."

Hall featured some of her works in the most recent SummerWork exhibiton, which was on view this year from Sept. 9 to Sept. 24 at the Palmer Gallery. Hall put up two mixed medium pieces in the exhibit.

Her first work was in pastel, pencil and watercolor. Hall was inspired by a group of puppet dolls that she found while online. "I actually wanted to do several works of a similar subject," Hall wrote in an emailed statement. "They were of beautiful little girls. I wanted to capture the amazing look in their eyes (I love eyes) and the expression on their faces. I wanted, and perhaps I will eventually, push past what I was seeing to make their expressions even bigger. I don't know how exactly but I would just continue to work on it to see what would come out of it."

Hall's second work was done in ink wash, pencil, water color and conte crayon. "I used an image of an artist that I used to work with. She has become my muse and has given me permission to paint any photos of her that I want. She has the most amazing eyes and she take lots of pics of herself in many odd poses," wrote Hall.

"I had the best time painting this one. I love painting her and pushing past the actual image. Her expressions to me make it really easy to do this, maybe because I know her and I can see her in my minds eye while I'm painting. And I can hear her saying something funny or making a crazy face," she wrote.

Added Hall, "I like people. I find them really compelling, especially because they are all so different. But I am also very interested in seeing that other artist can take a piece of paper and pencil, paint or whatever and reproduce a face or a scene so beautifully. There is so much creativity in the world and it is all inspiring to me. It makes me want to make art and to learn how to use different mediums including photos and computer art."

By the time that Hall graduates she will be retired, but she is happy to have had the opportunity to go on this journey. She would, however, enjoy teaching children or selling artwork of her own.

"I'm really just enjoying the process of being able to learn new things. I'm doing a lot of more painting right now, and I'm really learning a lot of new things in the Drawing II class that I'm currently in," Hall said.

"I just want to do something that keeps me busy in the art field, and I'm excited about that," Hall ended. "I feel like I'll be doing art forever."