Randolph student takes advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience in the art field

Studying art history wasn’t always in the cards for Elizabeth Bailey ’25.

When she enrolled at Randolph, Bailey planned to major in history or English. But all it took was one art history course with professor Andrea Campbell, and she was hooked. 

“I found that the discipline blended so many of my interests in a unique and fascinating way: art, history, politics, and literature merged together in the form of artists and art objects,” Bailey said. “I had declared an art history major by the end of Session 2.”

She’d soon add a double major in studio art and a minor in English. 

Now, on the cusp of graduation, Bailey plans to continue her studies, working toward a master’s degree and a PhD in art history. 

“My ultimate career goal would be to work as an art historian teaching at a college or university and publishing my research,” she said. 

During her time at Randolph, Bailey has served as president of FRAME, the College’s student docent club, as a tutor in the writing lab, and was a member of the Judiciary Committee and Ethics Bowl team. 

She’s also worked at the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College, completing office tasks and assisting with exhibitions and other events, and was chosen for an internship with the National Gallery, London.

In 2023, Bailey collaborated with professor Lesley Shipley on a Summer Research Program project that proposed reinstalling the permanent collection in one of the Maier’s galleries. 

“She was the first student I thought of when I was developing the project,” said Shipley, a professor of art history. “Elizabeth was more than a research assistant. She jumped into all aspects of the project, from choosing objects to building a scale model of the gallery out of foam board. She is creative, conscientious, and has impeccable research skills. For this particular project, which involved thinking outside the box, I valued Elizabeth’s eagerness to push boundaries, while also maintaining her level-headedness and focus.” 

Bailey got a taste of independent research over winter break when she visited the United Kingdom to research the life of Welsh artist Gwen John for her senior project. 

The National Library of Wales

John was known for portraits of herself and other women and is internationally acclaimed as one of the first modern artists. 

“Looking through her body of work, I found that I had more questions than answers, so I knew that I wanted to use the project as an opportunity to learn more about her life and work,” said Bailey, who received a Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) grant to fund the trip. 

Bailey spent three days in Aberystwyth, Wales, poring over the National Library of Wales’ collection of manuscripts and print resources, and four days in London, visiting museums and galleries to see John’s art and trace her inspirations. 

“Digital catalogues and reproductions are less accurate representations of art objects, so it was important to me that I was able to interact with these collections live and in person,” she said. 

Bailey has had similar experiences during her time within the Red Brick Wall, while working and taking classes in the Maier. 

“I”m constantly amazed by the fact that, outside of a major metropolitan city, I can walk seven minutes to be in the same space with works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Cole, Mary Cassatt, and so many more people I’ve learned about,” she said. “I’ve seen so many departments hold classes at the Maier, everything from earth science to creative writing. I think it exemplifies Randolph’s commitment to the liberal arts, and it speaks to the ability of art to speak in many diverse ways.”

This story appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the College’s Magazine, “Vita Abundantior.” 

Maier hosting senior exhibitions, art history senior presentations in April