Rose Michelle Legere, a recent graduate of Vermont State University, has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and plans to pursue a master's degree in studio art next year. With support from VSAC's GEAR UP program and outreach counselor Michelle Legere, Rose overcame a challenging family background and medical issues to graduate on time. She gained curatorial experience as an intern at the Julian Scott Gallery, helping professor Phil Roberston curate BFA and MFA showcases, which solidified her ambition to become an art gallery curator.
This story matters because it highlights the transformative power of educational support programs like VSAC's GEAR UP in enabling students from unstable backgrounds to pursue careers in the visual arts. Rose's journey from a first-generation college student to a BFA graduate with curatorial aspirations underscores the importance of mentorship, financial aid, and institutional encouragement in diversifying the art world. Her experience also demonstrates how hands-on gallery internships can shape career paths and foster resilience in aspiring arts professionals.