Featured Student: Ana Olp

Ana Olp is a double major in History and Art with an emphasis in studio art.

When do you plan on graduating?  I am so happy to say that I will be, at long last, graduating spring of 2020.

Why did you major in History and Art? I have always had a deeply rooted interest and fascination in history. I was fortunate enough to have grown up in the family that I did. My dad is half Swedish and half Korean and grew up in Stockholm. This meant that I was introduced to travel at an early age. Museums were always a part of our trips and a favorite activity of mine to experience. Walking around the historic streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town) Stockholm, I think, is what really planted the seed of interest in history. The beautiful and intricate architecture along with the sweeping landscapes of Europe, not to mention the deep art history roots, played a role in my love of art and the creative. While I do enjoy art in its entirety, it is fashion history that has won my passion. I don’t consider myself an artist in any sense, even though I do create many pieces in my classes. My art is in the study of dress throughout history, in the wearing, preserving and educating of how important the history of what was worn is still today.

What are your plans for after graduation?  As of right now, I am planning on taking a gap year to travel and take a breather from school. Then I am going to grad school in, hopefully, Stockholm or New York for fashion history. It is my goal to work with the historical fashion collections at museums; the dream is the Met, but who knows!

What academic experience or accomplishment are you most proud of?  I have been so fortunate to have had a lot of really amazing experiences in my undergraduate career, but one that stands out most was my internship through the Brown County Historical Society at the Hazelwood House. That said, one of my other great achievements is becoming a published author in the Voyageur magazine. My article talks all about the unforgettable experience I had through my internship and working with my supervisor, Brooke. So, definitely go check that out when the latest issue is released!!

What single thing do you hope to accomplish at UWGB before graduating? Before I graduate I am planning on entering three pieces in the senior art exhibit at the Lawton Gallery. The pieces that I am working on are inspired by my greatest creative influence, nature and its ability to be translated and interpreted in so many ways and mediums. In addition to nature, the Art Nouveau movement of the early 1900s is one of my favorites and is also an influence behind my work. The medium I focus in is textiles, specifically weaving. Beyond that I will not say more as I hope you come and see my pieces for yourselves in Spring!

What do you do for fun?  Travel is probably my favorite thing to do, when I can afford to, Currently I am part of the University’s Concert Choir. Music is something I was alway heavily involved in starting in grade school and through high school and I loved it. In addition to choir, I enjoy hiking and being outside (weather permitting… winter is gross). I am also a lover of reading and collect antique books As I mentioned above, I am passionate about fashion history. That said, I love collecting vintage clothing and accessories, particularly pieces that date prior to 1950. I am also an avid WWII reenactor, many of my 1940s are worn (with great care, of course) at these events that I participate in.

What else do you want people to know about you? I am a bonafide crazy cat lady! I love cats and have two of my own, Archie and Benji, both are American Shorthairs. Also, we recently added a puppy to the mix; Conway is an Australian Cattle Dog Red Heeler. Adopt don’t shop!

If I could go back in time to any period it would probably be the Edwardian era (early to mid 1900s. Think Downton Abbey season 1-2/ Titanic); the clothes, art, everything was so beautiful during this era.

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