Graduating Student Worker HighLights

Each semester, the Crafts Center hires the best and brightest students to work at the Center. Many become skilled in various media and some even teach classes. We send our graduating students the very best wishes and we will miss them!

Rokas Dargis

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Crafts Center? 
Taking an Intro to the Potters Wheel class.
 
What skills or lessons did you learn at the Crafts Center that you plan on using in your future? 
How to balance work and passion without burning out. Everyone deserves time to unwind and pursue a hobby. 
 
What is a word/tool you were unfamiliar with when you started that you’ll never forget? Giffin Grip
 
What are your plans after graduation? 
I am going to graduate school to continue my education.I was just admitted to graduate school at Duke University!

Carrie Hoyt

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Crafts Center? 
My favorite memories from the crafts center are the times I got to spend with my coworkers, as well as the pottery class I took in spring of 2021!
 
What skills or lessons did you learn at the Crafts Center that you plan on using in your future? 
I’ve also really enjoyed working in an arts setting. Working here gave me really great experience with customer service, namely in building relationships with customers.
 
What is a word/tool you were unfamiliar with when you started that you’ll never forget? I’ve become very familiar with a lot of the terms and processes related to pottery!

What are your plans after graduation? 
After graduation I am going to work for a year, hopefully in a hospital setting, while also applying to various graduate school programs. I would really like to work with children, either in child psychology/therapy or cognitive testing. 

Lauren Quinn Malynowsky

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Crafts Center? 
It’s hard to pick a favorite, I’ve gotten to work on so many fun projects over the years. Last Spring, Katy and I spent the entire day workshopping the paint pendulum class. We hung a paint bucket from the ceiling with a hole poked in the bottom and swung it around the room. We ended up getting covered in paint and making some really cool stuff in the process.
 
What skills or lessons did you learn at the Crafts Center that you plan on using in your future? 
Before working here, I hadn’t done many 3D crafts. Most of my artistic experience has been drawing and painting. By working here, I have been able to try so many different mediums and am able to explore different creative avenues. Right now, I am having a lot of fun with handbuilding figures in clay.
 
What is a word/tool you were unfamiliar with when you started that you’ll never forget?
There are too many to name! Most of the clay tools like bats, ribs, giffin grip, etc. Also pickle pots from the jewelry studio because how could you forget a name like that.
 
What are your plans after graduation? 
I plan to work in the comic book industry. I’m still figuring out where exactly I see myself fitting within it but it’s what I am most passionate about. Ask anyone who works here, and they’ll tell you I can talk your ear off about comics. I am going to try to stay in the area so I will definitely be in the Crafts Center doing classes and studio work.

Noah Weaver

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Crafts Center? 
My favorite memories are from taking classes and crafternoons that were taught by Jo Ellen, Paul, Jen, Katy, John, and Carol. Teaching my own class was a wonderful experience. And finally taking courses with my lovely friends was an absolute gift.
 
What skills or lessons did you learn at the Crafts Center that you plan on using in your future? 
From working at the crafts center and taking classes I learned a variety of new skills which I will carry with me in both my personal life and professional practice. Technical skills in screen printing, stained + fused glass, handbuilding and pottery wheel, along with various photography, woodworking and mixed media classes have bolstered my creativity, and given me a relaxing outlet. From behind the front desk I have gained time management, organizational, and financial skills.
 
What is a word/tool you were unfamiliar with when you started that you’ll never forget? Our motto is “Make it Here” and at the Crafts Center I have made a positive college experience that I will carry with me throughout my life.
 
What are your plans after graduation? 
After graduating I plan on continuing my studies here at NC State where I will focus on getting my masters in Landscape Architecture. I hope to be able to work in community development, playspace design, and coastal resiliency.

Brogan Williams

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Crafts Center?
Too hard to pick one! I’ve always loved chatting with my awesome coworkers during shifts to pass the time, and the silkscreening class I took last year with Dominick was so much fun.

What skills or lessons did you learn at the Crafts Center that you plan on using in your future?
For starters, I have learned how to use a giant key ring! But I’ve also learned about owning up to mistakes, as well as the importance of having coworkers you enjoy being around.

What is a word/tool you were unfamiliar with when you started that you’ll never forget?
The Giffin Grip.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on enjoying my summer as much as I can before starting my new position as a Product Designer with Willowtree Apps at their Durham office.