Community Spotlight: Lilly Hoeniger
How did you arrive at the Brookline Arts Center? What made you interested in joining the BAC as an intern?
I found myself at the Brookline Arts Center during my internship search last summer. I found the BAC online, loved how they presented themselves and reached out in hopes to spend my Fall 2021 semester here! To say I was excited when I was offered the internship position is an understatement. It’s been an amazing experience working with the staff and faculty here this Fall.
Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in art?
I have been making art for as long as I can remember. My grandparents tell me a story of one time when they came to visit, they brought me a coloring book, and I sat there going “color color color” until every page was filled. All through my school years I’ve taken art classes and made sure to have a space where I could learn more skills to progress in my work. I’m now going into my final semester of college with a minor in Studio Art alongside my major being Fashion Media and Marketing. I’ll always have a special love for painting, drawing, ceramics, and collage.
What passions do you bring to the BAC community?
I have such a passion for creativity and making sure that if someone wants to pursue art, pick up skills they’ve put down for a while, or simply make art as a way to bring them joy that they believe in themselves and do that. No matter your past in art or lack of a past in art, you can start where you are and grow as far as you feel passion for. I’ve heard so many stories from people where they say, “I’m not good at art” and that’s the reason they don’t pursue it. My hope is that if someone has told you that you aren’t good at art or you feel that your work isn’t as good as someone else’s, that you still believe in yourself enough to push through and continue. Your work is unique and individual to you.
What do you enjoy most about the BAC? What has brought you the most joy in this role?
What I enjoy most about the BAC is the kind faculty and staff. Everyone welcomed me from the start, which made it so fun to come into the office each week. Helping instruct an adult drawing and painting class has definitely brought me the most joy from this role as an intern. I knew I wanted experience in a classroom setting, so being able to sit in on a class once a week and see what the dynamic was like in an adult class really opened my eyes. I was even able to participate in most of the projects and work alongside the other students.
What was your favorite childhood art project?
I can remember that for a few years in middle school, my mom would put together a Christmas craft party where we’d all decorate glass ornaments or draw Christmas cards. Then for the next few days after the party, I’d be able to use up the leftover art materials and continue to make beautiful ornaments covered in glitter glue and stuffed with tinsel.
Who are some of your art heroes?
I have two art heroes. The first being my high school art teacher who always pushed me to enhance my technique as a young artist. Every time I thought I was done with a project, she’d take a look and know I could push myself in a few more areas. I’ll always be grateful for all of those nudges she gave me because it helps me push myself in independent projects even today. My second art hero has been a professor I’ve had my past two years of college. She’s helped me realize my love for painting and helped widen my knowledge about paint incredibly this past year.
What are three things that you would want the BAC community to know about you?
Three things that I would want the BAC community to know about me are
1. I’m excited about going into my final semester of college at Lasell University in January!
2. I study fashion in college and love posting outfit pictures on my Instagram.
3. I have a website where I post blog content about fashion, life, food, and more. I also have my artwork and published writing pieces on my site as well. It’s been a great creative outlet for me the past few years and I’m really proud of it.
