The interviews and excursions about the Lehigh Valley continue, as another week comes to a close. And while I wrap up my assignments for the December issue, one experience sticks out in my mind. Bethlehem is now home to a new art hotspot, Atelier Dualis, so I headed over there on Tuesday to find out more about this art school/gallery. It was great to meet artist and founder Erin Anderson, who gave me a sneak peek of the not-yet-open facility.
We had a great conversation about her experience and education as an artist, what lessons she plans to instill in her students and how they'll learn to perfect their fine art skills while also learning the principles of business and entrepreneurship. I learned how her atelier (the French word for “workshop”) will work; students will be learning in a one-on-one type of apprenticeship with established artists. I could tell how passionate Erin was about not only art in general, but about education, and being able to pass her knowledge along to others. As an intern myself, I know there is no substitute for real life experience. There are just so many things that a person can learn on the job or through an apprenticeship that cannot be taught in a classroom!
Though the people I've interviewed thus far have all been completely different in their careers and business, the common thread has been their passion and enthusiasm for what they do, which comes across so clearly in my brief meetings with them. See you next week!
