Greg Wyatt’s support of our students and his faith in education elevates the mission of BSU within the goal of student success. Creativity and innovation are key words within the economic and political sectors which our graduates must compete. This type of exposure allows our students to compete and excel.
While exploring a museum in New York City, a chance encounter led John Attebury, ’27, to secure a unique summer internship, one that introduced him to internationally renowned artist Greg Wyatt.
The New Jersey native was home over spring break and together with his mom, took the train into the city to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Inside, he was surprised when a woman approached him and asked if he went to Bridgewater State University.
“I was wearing a red BSU hoodie,” John explained.
The sweatshirt caught the attention of BSU’s Chief of Staff and Vice President of Planning and Strategy Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger.
“Of course I had to introduce myself,” Leuenberger said.
After learning that John was studying graphic design at Bridgewater and very much into the arts, she was inspired to connect him with Wyatt.
“I was excited to have the chance to introduce John to Greg Wyatt because I knew it would allow him entry into the art world so that he can discover what it is he wants to focus on in his education and career,” Leuenberger said.
BSU’s relationship with Wyatt came to be when lifelong Bridgewater residents Larry and Kitty Doherty, who have donated more than 40 works of art to the university, helped to bring to campus Wyatt’s bronze statue sculpture depicting legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.
The statue was installed on the eastern side of Maxwell Library in 2017. Since then, more of Wyatt’s pieces have been added to create the Greg and Fay Wyatt Sculpture Garden, creating a destination point for community members at BSU and beyond.
On top of his generous donation, Wyatt also offered to work with and mentor students.
“Greg Wyatt’s support of our students and his faith in education elevates the mission of BSU within the goal of student success,” said Jay Block, associate director of Collections and Exhibitions. “Creativity and innovation are key words within the economic and political sectors which our graduates must compete. This type of exposure allows our students to compete and excel.”
Over the summer, John traveled to Wyatt’s studio in upstate New York where he received ongoing feedback, was given challenges and instruction while being exposed to the workings of an active studio.
“I learned to abandon my ego as an artist, and that it’s the practice, not necessarily the finished result that matters,” he said. “It also made me realize that art, being creative, is what I want to do as a career. It really shines more light on what I want to do and where I want to go in my life.”
Art Professor Rob Lorenson, who has had John in class, said internships like this are one of the best forms of education.
“A professional studio exposes students to a different level of motivation and work ethic that is beneficial,” Lorenson said. “Every sculpture studio is unique, and they will learn that unique approach which they cannot in the school setting.”
After working with Wyatt, John arrived back on campus this fall with a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’m very excited to start learning again, to come back into the dynamic environment Bridgewater offers,” he said. “I really can’t wait.”
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