In my short eight-week time at the museum, I have become vastly more familiar with important individuals in the art community, especially Native American artists in the area and around the country. I am also more aware of different Native American cultures in the modern world, which have learned to ensure the individualism of their own tribes while maintaining a sense of solidarity within the Native American community as a whole. The Native American community is one of the most interesting and historically rich communities in the United States, and while what I’ve learned is only a fraction of all that there is to learn, I’m proud that I know more about these cultures thanks to experiences I had during my internship. 

 

In addition to more widespread cultural knowledge, I’ve also learned more about the strong arts community in Indianapolis, which has been growing steadily for years. And despite cuts in government funding in recent times, I believe the arts community in Indianapolis will continue to thrive. It contributes greatly to the identity of the city and its aspirations to become a worldly, first-class urban area. It is an underrated arts community that I am proud to have become more familiar with. 

 

I am therefore saddened that the Know Indiana scholarship funding has expired. It is a shame that a Wabash student will not be able to have my same experience next summer. Thanks entirely to the fond memories I’ll keep of the Eiteljorg and its staff, I truly hope the arts internships of the Know Indiana program will someday be revived so others can take advantage of their great opportunities.