Sarah Kolker
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA USA
"Sometimes your nervousness, that little feeling in your stomach, it has to be worked through because that’s a big opportunity that you may miss if you don’t take that step."
Career Roadmap
Sarah's work combines: Art, Education, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
My mom didn't want me to be a struggling artist, so I wasn't allowed to go to art school. I ended up going to a liberal arts school and studied art, but it wasn't as direct of a path into art as an art school would have been. I believe everyone's path is different but it was a bit difficult to figure out where I was going to end up since I wasn't following a direct path.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Culture and Visual Arts
Sarah Lawrence College
Graduate Degree
Art Education
Moore College of Art and Design
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Project Manager & Artist:
Bachelor's Degree: Art Teacher Education
Graduate Degree: Art Teacher Education
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was immersed in the art scene from a young age thanks to my mom putting me in various after school programs.
2.
Starting at age six, I met a lot of artists who served as role models through the Philadelphia Prints in Progress program.
3.
I originally went to college to become an art therapist but decided to change course after realizing the angle psychology was coming from felt too white-oriented and limiting.
4.
I changed my concentration and earned my undergraduate degree in culture and visual arts from Sarah Lawrence College.
5.
I built my career as an art teacher while leaning into the therapeutic style that I was initially interested in, pursuing yoga and reiki certifications along the way.
6.
I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in art education with an emphasis in special populations.
7.
I currently work as an artist and program manager with Mural Arts Philadelphia as well as spending time as a teaching artist with Global Writes.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You can't go to art school because I don't want you to become a struggling artist.
How I responded:
My mom didn't want me to be a struggling artist, so I wasn't allowed to go to art school. I ended up going to a liberal arts school and studied art, but it wasn't as direct of a path into art as an art school would have been. I believe everyone's path is different but it was a bit difficult to figure out where I was going to end up since I wasn't following a direct path.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I've felt that superiors treat me differently than my white male peers. I also see that women of color are treated as capable but aren't given the same pay. I'm currently working in the DEI section of my organization to help work through this.