Kari Mishler, a graduate of the Department of Art and Design at Missouri State University, has been accepted into the master’s program in Conservation of Easel Paintings at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, England.

According to The Courtauld’s website, the institute is a “research-led, independent College of the University of London, with one of the world’s most prestigious programmes of art history, curating and conservation.” The accompanying Courtauld Gallery is known for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

As part of her studies, Mishler will spend much of her time in Somerset House, located near London’s Thames River, and in the city’s Museum Mile.

The path to success

Mishler completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Museum Studies at Missouri State in 2018.

She first discovered her love for art conservation in 2017 when she took the MSU Museum Studies course Basic Conservation of Art and Artifacts, and her professors encouraged her to pursue her passion through internships and training programs.

After graduation, she worked across the country – from Minnesota to California to Alaska – gaining valuable experience in historic preservation and natural history museum work.

This time spent experimenting with different types of conservation helped Mishler identify what she truly wanted to do with her degree.

“While I enjoyed working in these different settings, my attention to detail and painting skills weren’t being used to their fullest potential,” Mishler explained. “I began to pursue painting conservation knowing that I wanted to fully utilize my interest in art history, knowledge of preservation and painting skill.”

From intern to apprentice to preparator, Mishler used her time after graduation to build her credentials and gain the kind of experience that made her an ideal candidate for The Courtauld.

Patience pays off

Mishler advises students not to fear any time gaps between graduation and entering an advanced degree program or landing that ultimate career.

“Although the jobs I worked after my undergrad were not art specific, I learned new skills and traveled to places that I would not have had the opportunity to if I had gone straight into a master’s degree,” Mishler said. “I feel more well-rounded and confident in my skills and knowledge going into another degree.”

For more information on the Visual Art and Culture programs at Missouri State, visit the Department of Art and Design website or call 417-837-2330.

News submitted by Mariah Hunter, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.

Hunter is a graduate assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She is working towards her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University.