“Meet the Artist” – the Q&A series featuring the Teaching Artists of Arts For All – continues with AFA Intern Mackenzie Timbrell (Sarah Lawrence College ’24). Interviewed by Mackenzie in the Spring of 2024, “Meet the Artist” allows our Teaching Artists to share their individual backgrounds and stories about art in their life.
First, let’s get to know the interviewer as Mackenzie shares how important art has been to her throughout her life.
Q: Who are you?
Mackenzie: My name is Mackenzie Timbrell, and I am originally from New London, New Hampshire. I am about to graduate from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in studio art and gender studies. Since last fall, I have been interning with AFA!
Q: How did you first get involved in your specific discipline of art?
Mackenzie: I have always been interested in the arts, even from a young age. My art classes in elementary school were some of the first places that I felt like I could truly express myself. From that point on, I enrolled in as many drawing, pottery, and painting workshops as I could outside of school. In college, my mediums of choice have shifted into more video and sculptural art. Still, I try to keep up my skills in all the different forms of art that I can and make sure that I learn new techniques across the board!
Q: What drew you to Arts For All?
Mackenzie: I was initially drawn to Arts For All through their website. I was looking for possible internships for my senior year of college and found AFA. I was completely taken with AFA’s mission and decided to immediately reach out! I was fortunate enough to be able to join their team for the 2023-24 academic year and have been so grateful for all the skills and experiences I have gained from my time with the organization. I could not recommend the great work this organization does more to future interns or students!
Q: What has your favorite moment been working with Arts For All?
Mackenzie: I joined teaching artist Nicole Hogsett at the Corlears School for a Saturday class a few months ago. I forget exactly what activity the kids were working on, but it had something to do with drawing. I remember I went over to this little girl who would come to the program each month and asked what she was drawing. She explained her picture and I complimented her on her use of colors and shapes. Then, she looked up at me with the biggest smile and exclaimed, “I’m an artist!” It was such a heartwarming moment and it was amazing to see the impact of art on a child’s confidence and happiness in such a straightforward way. That moment was one of many where I could directly see the positive impact that AFA has on the schools and children it aids.
Q: What does art mean to you?
Mackenzie: To me, art is for everyone. Whether you pass it during your commute to work or view it in a museum, art is all around us and we are constantly consuming it without even realizing. Art is in nature, buildings, community, and ourselves. The beauty of art is that it has a place for everyone and doesn’t discriminate against form or technique. It is such a freeing practice and I hope that everyone finds those little moments to create or appreciate art through their day-to-day life.
