Ash Street Profile: John Shea Headed to University Wisconsin Madison Grad School

John Shea was a special student at Ash Street Project this year.  He had studied with Thomas at OCAC, and went on to work for Bullseye Glass and Mudshark Studios.  During this time, he had his sights set on going back for an MFA, and came to us for time and space to create a new body of work and put together a portfolio to apply to graduate programs.  John was accepted to his first choice school, University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he will study with Paul Sacaridiz and Gerit Grimm.  We took a moment to talk with John about his time at Ash Street.  Here's some insights he shared into his process and why he chose to work with us:

"I came to Ash Street because I needed to improve my portfolio.  I needed a space outside my own studio that had a lot of conversation happening, that would let me interact with other artists, ensuring high quality work.  I wanted to take advantage of the exhibition space, which provided a goal with a concrete end date, allowing me to show what I was working on at that time...and get feedback on it.  The experience was all good.  The lunch talks, the evening conversations on Thursdays were really nice. "

What's next for John?

"Three years of just working, which will allow me to explore some ideas Thomas and I talked about and not have to work (at a job).....working with an expanded field of Professors again.... I would love to teach.  I am pushing myself towards a place where I can apply for teaching positions."

Congratulations John!  We look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!