Ashley Milliken

This is from my most recent museum experience at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Art Museum in Seattle, Washington. I am on the right, with two of my former co-workers. This photo represents how I love to travel and see art, especially with great company.

Degree: MA Art History

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2023

2021-2022 Scholarships
Gloria Tovar Lee Scholarship in Art History

Prior Degree
BA Art History, Minor in Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

I Am Originally From Peters Township, PA

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose to attend the University of Oregon because I have a strong interest in connecting contemporary theory to questions about the visual culture of the ancient world, and I felt UO would be the best place to pursue this interest.

After earning my BA in Art History and spending two and a half years working within a museum setting, I have become passionate about my work and ability to connect art historical conversation and information with the public. In order to expand on this passion I have decided to pursue a graduate degree in Art History.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I have served several roles within a museum setting including as an art education assistant, administrative assistant, and university museums director. These various roles have prepared me for the realities of working within this field, including teaching me how to problem solve critically, manage my time, staff, and budgets accordingly, and creatively organize projects that grab the public’s attention.

PROFESSORS I LOOK FORWARD TO STUDYING WITH AT UO
Dr. Mariachiara Gasparini, Assistant Professor of Art History, is someone I am very interested in working with considering her background in transcultural studies and interest in the theoretical and visual investigation of Eurasian art and cultural history. I expect to learn how to expand on my myriad interests and how to apply them to future career goals.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I have haven’t had an opportunity to learn about the many extracurricular activities at UO, but I am looking forward to becoming an art history tutor at the university.

AFTER GRADUATION
After graduate school my ultimate goal is to either continue working within the museum field, specifically in curation or art education, or to pursue a career as an art history professor. I do know museums throughout the country are currently undergoing (or will be undergoing) some major changes (think the MoMA and the Whitney right now) and I would like to be a part of those changes. Ultimately, I would simply like to change the industry by making these institutions more accessible to all people including those who are disabled or come from lower income homes.

YOUR GIFT
Earning a graduate degree to pursue my future career goals is an exciting and life-changing experience, but also one that is very expensive. As a student that relies on myself for complete financial support and as an out of state student, this scholarship is beyond important to me. With it some of the financial stress has been lifted off my shoulders and I can focus more on my studies.

Thank you for believing and investing in not only my future but in the art world as a whole. Not enough people value the arts to even care and for that I thank you.