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Georgia Southern graduate rediscovers passion for art in Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art

AJ Aremu's artwork

Two-dimensional studio art major AJ Aremu developed an interest in art when she moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia, from Sweden at the age of 6, but it wasn’t until she toured Georgia Southern University that she discovered that visual arts was a passion.

“I came for a campus visit and met the department chair of the art department,” said Aremu. “He gave me a tour of the program. And I thought ‘I can do this.’ I applied and got accepted.”

Born to Nigerian parents, growing up there was an expectation from Aremu’s family that she would become a doctor, lawyer or engineer. Aremu began her collegiate journey at another university as a computer science major, yet when she transferred to Georgia Southern her love for art was reignited. Within two months on campus, Aremu made the switch to the visual art program with a focus on painting and printmaking.

“I see it as, you can sit in front of a computer or you can sit in front of a canvas,” she said. We all work hard no matter what our major is.”

AJ Aremu's artwork

Ameru’s art has been featured in exhibitions and most recently, a gallery in New York.

After graduation, Aremu will enter into the Disney College Program and work at the park for seven months while she applies for a Master of Fine Arts program.

As for her parents, they couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments.

“My mother is ecstatic,” she said. “I didn’t know if she really liked my art until she went to see my senior show. I saw her face when she looked at my art. I actually felt she was proud of me. It was the best moment of my life.”

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

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