Julia McElroy knew that returning to college would not be easy. Her family supported her however they could, but they could not help pointing out the dicey financial return of her chosen major.
But McElroy’s heart was set. Since childhood, she had dreamed of pursuing art.
Nearly 80% of art students are the first in their families to pursue an artistic career, according to an Indiana University study. They begin as a blank canvas, embarking on a personal journey rather than a clearly mapped out path like medicine or law.
However, the cost of that freedom is uncertainty. Especially for artists coming from underrepresented backgrounds, such as first-generation and low-income, most lack immediate resources and build their professional network from scratch.
As a first-generation sculptor who explores feminism, queerness and body positivity, McElroy has known how challenging it can be to turn one’s passion into a career. While she is a full-time college student, McElroy also works part-time, balancing academic duties and financial stress.
“Growing up low-income, and still struggling with financial [stability],” she said, “I’ve been more aware of how important it is to stand out.”
This mindset encouraged McElroy to bring networking into her leadership as the president of the Creative Network, a student organization that connects artists across campus, curating the organization’s spring exhibition at University Hall bringing student artists into the spotlight.
“I’ve had my art featured in magazines as well as exhibitions, and I’m now interviewing for multiple positions after graduation,” she said.
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in her artistic journey, McElroy affirms, “The opportunities have absolutely outweighed the stress of finances.”
Each semester, the Creative Network showcases a wide selection of artwork submitted by UMass Boston students in the glass gallery located on the fourth floor of University Hall.
Kaitlyn Kweskin, treasurer of the Creative Network and secretary of Tri-Alpha, UMass Boston’s First-Generation Honor Society, co-curated its latest exhibition, “In Poor Taste,” with McElroy. Participating student artists were encouraged to redefine what “good” art looks like by creating unconventional pieces that are unafraid to stand out.
Looking ahead to her professional life as an art teacher, Kweskin said her goal is “to inspire” and “give [her] future students a safe space to create freely.” A sculptor and a photographer on satire, absurdism and the coming-of-age experience, her passion stemmed from growing up in an environment where her mentors fostered her creativity and artistic interests.
“I’ve grown up around music, visual arts and more,” she reminisced. “Many of my family members are artists.”
“I truly think my family and friends are my biggest inspirations,” added Kweskin.
The story behind the exhibition and its curators reflect the heart of UMass Boston. Much like victors shaping history, mainstream standards have long defined what we consider “good” art. We tend to prioritize polished outcomes and graceful execution while overlooking the messy, uncomfortable and sometimes even grotesque realities of the creative process.
The non-conformity and unruliness of the exhibition are a form of resistance — a rejection of rigid norms in favor of authenticity. This radical acceptance creates space for a more honest and inclusive vision of art, one that reflects the cultural diversity and creative spirit of UMass Boston’s student body.
Yet despite this resilience, the challenges faced by first-generation students are often overlooked. This concerning trend raises questions about whether sufficient support and resources — such as scholarships or project funding — are readily available to first generation and low-income students.
“I think there could be more [support], but that’s more a national problem than this specific university’s problem,” McElroy said. “Still, I think the art department at UMB offers significant scholarships and opportunities, as long as you stay involved.”
“I think resources, at UMass Boston specifically, are more of a matter of being involved,” said Kweskin. “Say yes when the world gives you opportunities; there’s no such thing as being too involved. Caring, showing up and pushing yourself is what emerging adulthood is all about!”
Both McElroy and Kweskin added that building connection and relationships exemplified how actively showing up matters, even if it’s just a small step like making new friendships.
“I’ve made amazing connections with both the faculty and staff, as well as fellow art students,” McElroy said. “Community is super important in [troubling] times like these, so if you can find your people, it makes creating much more meaningful.”
“Motivation and encouragement comes from different places for each and every student; for me specifically, it comes from time with my friends,” Kweskin added. “Making time to be around people you love is productive. Finding balance between school, work, life, relationships and friendships is seemingly impossible, but once you find that momentum, you thrive.”
Embarking on a path few dare to take, student trailblazers such as McElroy and Kweskin have created channels for underserved artists to gain public recognition. This spirit of radical inclusion and creative freedom empowers UMass Boston students from all walks of life to find their voice through art.