Bridging Communities Through Art: BVM Scholarship Recipient: Sophia Clements
Scholarship recipient Sophia Clements attends the opening of her graduate art exhibition, “Domicile,” addressing the housing crisis in Duluth, Minn.
by Kari Litscher
Sophia Clements’ journey as a recipient of the Mary Frances Clarke Scholarship for Women at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) illustrates the power of education and artistic expression. With a major in art, Sophia views her education not only as a means of honing her artistic skills but also as a pathway to becoming a leader in arts and culture organizations.
For Sophia, art serves as both an escape and a medium of self-expression. From the anxious scribbles on a worktable to the faces she encounters on her daily commute, she finds inspiration and solace in the world around her. As someone who struggles with learning disabilities, Sophia sees art as a grounding force in both her academics and everyday life.
Nurturing Creativity and Community
Sophia’s time at UMD has been enlightening. “I believe the skills and knowledge I have learned will allow me to grow as an artist and gain experience in collaborating with other artists across many different concentrations,” Sophia shares. Beyond the classroom, Sophia actively engages in volunteer work, social justice work, and artistic projects.
Having witnessed Sophia’s life from infancy to today, sponsor BVM Patricia “Pat” (Herbert Mary) Thalhuber emphasizes Sophia’s dedication to justice, freedom, equality, and education. She shares, “I witness her living out these values so many times . . . Sophia has been on an educational journey using her intuitive and creative talents to pursue a university that both encourages her vision and gives her the tools to achieve it. The University of Minnesota Duluth has been an excellent choice for her.”
Making a Difference Through Art and Advocacy
Sophia organized a redesign plan and recommendation report for the 6th Avenue East neighborhood in Duluth, addressing key issues such as infrastructure, green space, transportation accessibility, and social connection. Her work was recognized and displayed at Duluth City Hall, highlighting her commitment to creating positive change within her community.
Playing a vital role in the Zeitgeist’s Healthy Hillside team, Sophia advocated for the needs of the Hillside neighborhood, which has faced challenges stemming from decades of disinvestment and redlining. Working with local organizations and agencies, she helped to bridge the gap between policy makers and community members. Sophia seeks to foster creativity and a sense of belonging within her community. This includes designing murals, volunteering in community gardens, and participating in protests and rallies centered around social issues such as women’s rights, gun violence, and Black Lives Matter. Through these activities, Sophia wants to do more than create art; she wants to become a leader and catalyst for change.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Sophia envisions combining her art background, administrative skills, and social justice passions to curate exhibitions in local
galleries. She recognizes the role of artists as translators of cultural, political, and social relevance, emphasizing the universal language of art, asserting, “Art is the only universal language.”
Gratitude for Support
Sophia is grateful for the support she has received through the Mary Frances Clarke Scholarship. “Receiving the BVM scholarship has allowed e to broaden my range of what’s possible when it comes to my creative ambitions and processes,” she explains. With the help of BVM funds, Sophia has been able to fully immerse herself in her passions. She shares, “Thank you, BVMs, for all of your continued support throughout my
educational journey. I truly cannot express my gratitude enough for you.”
This story was featured in:
SPRING 2024: BVMs on the Run Toward Justice
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