G'day, mates (Hello, friends)! My name is Kara Maxwell and I'm from a small town in rural Iowa, but I started my undergraduate degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). I’m now 21 years old and in the final year of my degree, and I’m currently living and studying in Melbourne, Australia. In Chicago, my studies were largely focused on art therapy, but here in Melbourne I’ve gotten a chance to focus more on my personal studio art which has been very fulfilling. My own art practice revolves around studies of flora, fauna, and the landscapes they live in, so Australia's environment has been perfect for me. I actually decided to study in Australia because the flora, fauna and landscapes here are very unique. 90% of them can’t be seen anywhere else! This incredible journey wouldn't be possible without the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship I recieved. I'm happy to have had a great support system of friends, loved ones and SAIC's study abroad department, and I hope to be able to support you in your own goals for future endeavors abroad. With that, I look forward to discovering all that Australia has to offer, and am grateful that I will be able to share my journey with you!
