After studying visual and performing arts at the Mount, Moriah Tyler, C'19, is creating and curating at the Carroll County Arts Council in Westminster, Maryland.
As Ferris Bueller would say: ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ I recently purchased a Victorian home in Smithsburg, Maryland. It was the childhood home of artist Emily Clayton Bishop. She was an award-winning late 19th century American bronze and plaster sculptor who died at a young age. Her works are featured in the Smithsonian. I didn’t set out with the intention of buying a home, but I was drawn to it and to Emily. I am currently in the process of restoring the home and preserving her legacy in the town of Smithsburg.
I manage and curate our three gallery spaces and gift shop. I also coordinate and choose which art classes and camps are offered to the public. This summer we will offer three new art camps about environmental art, famous artists and a ukulele and harmonica music camp. I also answer phone calls, help our patrons, process memberships and sell tickets to various events. It’s a little bit of everything here.
Oh yes, absolutely. My studio is currently in shambles during renovations, but once it is put back together I have various projects I plan to move forward. Until then, I carry a pocket journal and write down ideas to keep inspiration flowing. I don’t think I will ever be able to stop making art. Sure, there are times when I feel uninspired and unable to make anything, but everybody goes through a period where they have to take a moment to rest. There is a time and a season for everything; I am learning to trust those words more and more.
The Mount provided me with the tools to think critically, love deeply and pursue goals with diligence. The Mount’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts helped me find beauty in the balance of chaos, hone my artistic voice and taught me that failure is also success. Continuing to use these developed skills within a professional workplace has been rewarding.
Public art projects. Art should be seen inside and outside of gallery spaces. After all, the outdoors itself is a gallery space that’s curated by nature and we are the patrons creating installations everywhere within its space by our existence and everyday lives. So, here’s to more outdoor art installations and each season that post-grad brings.