DB #1: Introductions

The Basics

Name (and preferred name, if different): Kelly Bevin Butler (Call me Bevin)

TTU email address: blahblahblah@tntech.edu

Where are you from? I grew up in Lubbock, TX but have since lived in Denton, Tx; Tempe, Az; Athens, Ga; Denver, Co; Wolfenbuttel, Germany; and now in Cookeville, Tn!

Freshman / Sophomore / Junior / Senior / Post-Bacc / Graduate Student 

Major: BA in Art History (Minor in French); MA in Art History (Medieval); Currently working PhD in Art History (Medieval)

Intended career (if known): University Art History Professor

Getting to Know You

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Snapchat / Reddit / Tumblr / None / Other

Do you have pets?  YES!

If yes, list name(s) and species/breed(s): One elegant black cat named Eleanor & one fat orange-and-white tabby cat named Miss Pumpkin

Do you like to travel? I love it!

What states have you visited? I have been all over the southern half of the U.S. and have visited much of the Midwest.  I haven't traveled much in the northwestern quadrant of the country.

Have you ever been abroad? Where? I did a short study abroad to Paris and London during my undergraduate, and have since had the fortune to travel all over Europe with research grants during my doctoral studies (Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, France, the Netherlands).  I just went to Canada (Toronto) for the first time earlier this year!

Favorite TV show? Movie? I love crime tv shows (Forensic Files, Law & Order, true crime documentaries), Project Runway, Game of Thrones.  Forrest Gump and Hi-Fidelity are some of my all-time favorite movies.

What kind of music to you listen to? I like older music - Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Phoebe Snow

Hobbies: Crafting (crochet, embroidery, collage, DIY work), walking/hiking, watching TV, going to art museums, hanging out at coffee shops

Are you involved in any teams or clubs for TTU? Not yet!  This is my first semester teaching at TTU and I hope to get involved!

Left brain or right brain? I am a pretty even mix, but sometimes my left brain is more prominent...

Art

Have you ever taken an art class?  Yes! A lot!

If yes, what did you take? Where? I started taking art classes in junior high and continued forever!

Do you make art? Sometimes I do.

What do you make? I got into photography a few years ago, but my true love is fibers and papercrafts.

Do you like art? I love art!

What is your favorite medium of art? I'm partial to textiles since that is my research focus

What is your favorite style or era of art? Medieval/Gothic!  I also love Impressionism/Post-Impressionism, Ancient Mediterranean cultures, and Renaissance art.

Who is your favorite artist? That's hard.  But I probably have to choose German Renaissance painter and printmaker Albrecht Durer.

What is your favorite work of art? Another hard question...  Theodore Gericault's Raft of the Medusa is always amazing.  More generally, I love all gothic cathedrals.

Have you ever been to an art museum or gallery?  Oh yes, so many!

If yes, which one(s)? Too many to list here!

Do you have a favorite? I love the Musee d'Orsay in Paris (it's in an old train station) 

Have you ever been to the Appalachian Center for Craft? Yes - It's awesome!

If yes, what was the occasion/reason for your visit? I have done tours there, been to exhibition openings in their gallery, and also went for the Celebration of Craft in April.

Have you ever been to the Derryberry Art Gallery in the RUC? Yes!

If yes, what was the occasion/reason for your visit? I like to see what exhibits are there throughout the year.

Anything else you want your classmates and instructor to know about you?

I am so excited to be teaching this class here at Tennessee Tech this semester!  I hope you can find something you enjoy about the art we will discuss, and it is my goal to keep you engaged and curious in the course material.

**NOTE: Using the questionnaire you received in class as a model, answer the questions you find most interesting or engaging for your classmates!  Be sure to read other students' posts and reply with your comments.  Let's get to know each other!**