Get to know us: ShopColumbia Student Staff
ShopColumbia's learning laboratory model isn't only for student artists to learn to the art of selling their work but also for students to build professional skills by working at the Shop. ShopColumbia employs a small but mighty team of students to help run store operations. Meet the three talented students that plan shop events, illustrate and design promotional materials, photograph work, install artwork, merchandise products on the floor, brainstorm ideas...
(From Left to right)
Kyra Peterson: Marketing and Special Events Assistant
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kyra Peterson spent the first 16 years of her life professionally working and training as a dancer. Attending a performing arts high school she discovered a love for visual art and the crossing of all mediums which led her to receive the JJ Ramstad Renaissance Award for her efforts in collaboration. Currently, Kyra is working toward a BA in Advertising Art Direction with a minor in Dance at Columbia College Chicago under the Presidential Scholarship. She spends most of her time eating Brambleberry Ice-cream from Jenni's and watching RuPaul's Drag Race.
Jacob O'Leary: Sales and Photography Assistant
Jacob O’Leary was born in Okemos, Michigan where he first discovered his interests in art and design. Now a senior at Columbia College Chicago, he has worked towards a BA in Art + Design studying painting, print-making, ceramics, architecture and graphic design. While also creating acoustic music he has been working for Chicago Action Sports as a park designer. For the past year Jacob has worked at Leviton Gallery on campus installing exhibits and casually building a shed. Jacob is joining the ShopColumbia fam this academic year as a sales associate and photography assistant. In his spare time he practices Yoga and the lost art of Tai Chi and you can catch him skating at your local skate park.
David Knight: Visual Merchandising and Fine Art Assistant
Born in Chicago with pencil in hand, David's love of all things imaginative began at a young age. From comics to murals and paintings, he always had a bigger and better creation in the works when at last in 2015 he came to Columbia to pursue his BFA in Illustration. With guidance from some of the most well established working professionals around, he found his roots in freelance illustration, gallery exhibitions, and volunteer community development.