Abigail Canull-Beauchamp, ‘25, discovered a passion for her art in a middle-school art classroom.
It was the last class of the day. Her teacher dimmed the lights, and the room turned into a calming, creative space where students could focus on their art projects without any distractions.
“I felt so relaxed compared to everything else throughout the day,” she recalls. “I decided that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to become an art teacher so I could recreate that feeling for my own students.”
Growing up in Greencastle, Indiana, Canull-Beauchamp carried that goal to Indiana State University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Art Education with a minor in art history, and where she is now pursuing a Master of Fine Art degree.
When exploring colleges, Canull-Beauchamp toured Indiana State alongside a friend’s family member. Instead of simply walking past buildings, she was invited inside the Department of Art and Design’s studios and creative workspaces.
“I actually got to see where I would be working and all of the different rooms and media they hold,” she says. “I just really fell in love with the campus and art spaces.”
Indiana State also promised the kind of faculty relationships Canull-Beauchamp was looking for, and the University has delivered on that guarantee. Among her mentors is Lori Ann Woodcock, MFA, professor of art education, who has helped her develop lesson plans, strengthen her art portfolio, and explore career options.
“My professors help me so much. They already know which artists I want to study or the materials I want to work with. They know before I even have to ask. They know what I want out of my education here,” Canull-Beauchamp explains. “They’ll say, ‘Have you researched this artist yet?’ If I haven’t, they’ll point me in the right direction. They’re basically helping me build my own portfolio. They’re giving me ideas that I wouldn’t even begin to think of myself.”
Canull-Beauchamp’s passion for art and education became even clearer during her junior year. In a drawing course, there was an assignment inspired by artist Kehinde Wiley, known for his portrait of President Barack Obama. For the assignment, she created a vibrant self-portrait filled with similar symbolism and imagery.
“I think that was the assignment that really sparked everything that happened next. I knew I wanted to be an art educator,” she shares.
One of Abigail Canull-Beauchamp's art pieces. (Photo credit: Canull-Beauchamp)
After earning her undergraduate degree, staying at Indiana State for her MFA was an easy decision. She didn’t want to go anywhere else. The MFA degree provides the credentials she may need to teach at the college level while giving her the freedom to further experiment with different materials and techniques.
As an MFA student, Canull-Beauchamp focuses on drawing while also exploring ceramics and, soon, painting. The program encourages students to experiment, collaborate with others, and learn from visiting artists. Canull-Beauchamp is taking advantage of all these opportunities.
One of her favorite aspects of the MFA program is being part of a close-knit community with her peers.
“No matter what year you are, all of us are friends. We have group chats, and we get together for dinners. We hang out to talk about what we’re working on and offer our critiques,” she says. “I’m so grateful for them.”
Outside of the art studio, Canull-Beauchamp serves as the social media assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She documents department events, leads summer tours, manages the department’s social media content, and produces the biannual BFA and BA senior highlights.
“I really want to show future students that we’re doing a lot in the department. We’re doing cool things! They should come see what we’re doing,” she says.
Canull-Beauchamp has also built an impressive resume beyond the arts. A certified lifeguard and water safety instructor, she now works as a graduate assistant in aquatics for Campus Recreation. She hires and trains new lifeguards and swim instructors while teaching CPR certification classes.
“I believe everyone should be certified in swimming and CPR,” she says. “Thousands and thousands of people die every single year from drowning. And it’s really easy to get certified. Once you do, you’ll be able to save your own life and others.”
Her campus involvement doesn’t stop there. As an undergraduate, she founded Indiana State’s Art Club and continues to serve as its president. She is also an officer of the Ceramics Guild, has served as a peer mentor, and was selected as a Welcome Team Coordinator during New Sycamore Orientation.
This fall, Canull-Beauchamp will take on a new role as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Art and Design, gaining valuable classroom experience as she prepares for a career in teaching art. Whether she eventually teaches at the high school or college level, Canull-Beauchamp knows she wants to help students discover their creative potential.
One of Abigail Canull-Beauchamp's art pieces.
(Photo credit: Canull-Beauchamp)
“Older students are really into the idea of creating art and talking about art,” she says. “I enjoy all of the discussions, critiques, and different types of projects you make in high school and college. I would be happy with either.”
For students still exploring their future, Canull-Beauchamp says Indiana State offers the support and opportunities needed to grow.
“You’re able to build a community [at Indiana State] and make connections. There’s so much academic support and other opportunities to learn,” she observes.
The middle school classroom where Canull-Beauchamp first discovered her passion for art looked very different from the art studios she now calls home at Indiana State. But the feeling that inspired her all those years ago has never changed.
Today, she continues to hone her craft, build meaningful connections, and go all in with hands-on teaching experience while preparing for a future in the classroom. Whether she teaches high school or college artists, her goal remains the same: to help students discover their passion for art, just as a classroom once inspired her.