For Dora Hagaman, a junior Art Management major from Lenoir, North Carolina, learning doesn’t just happen inside university walls. It happens through drop-in art classes, intergenerational weaving workshops and creative community engagement.
This summer, Dora has been putting her passion into practice as the Education Outreach and IMLS Intern at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM). Working alongside BRAHM’s Director of Education and fellow App State Art Alumna, Kayla Reische, Dora describes the experience as a defining highlight of her professional career.
"Working as a BRAHM intern through the spring and summer semesters has been one of the biggest highlights in my professional career," says Dora. "I look forward to continuing my education as well as getting to know my community better."
BRAHM is a nonprofit museum dedicated to connecting the High Country with regional history and the arts through dynamic exhibitions, classes and outreach programs. In her role, Dora gets to experience every corner of museum education.
From assisting with youth programs like Young at Art and the Doodlebug Club to designing marketing materials for Studio Saturday, Dora is gaining invaluable real-world experience. She also plays a key role in school outreach, bringing hands-on art experiences directly to local students at schools like Green Valley Elementary.
"I’m especially excited about developing outreach activities and creating sample art projects that make museum learning accessible and engaging for kids," Dora shares.
At the center of Dora’s internship is a major project supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through their “Inspire! Grants for Small Museums.” Dora transcribes interviews and leads peer-led workshops at local senior centers in preparation for the upcoming exhibition, Take-Up: Intergenerational Textiles & Weaving Community in Watauga County.
pictured left to right, Dora Hagaman, Outreach Director, Kayla Reische, and Bella, an education intern
The initiative explores how fiber arts foster lifelong learning, cultural preservation and independence among the region's aging population. For Dora, being able to serve the High Country community holds deep personal meaning.
Dora’s hands-on work at BRAHM is laying a strong foundation for her future. Looking ahead, her goal is to build a career in museum education and community outreach, specifically focusing on arts accessibility.
"Long term, I hope to work in arts education and community outreach, providing creative opportunities to individuals who may not have previously had access to the arts," Dora says.
With upcoming summer camps, docent training workshops and senior center art sessions on her horizon, Dora is well on her way to shaping the future of community-centered art education.
About the Department of Art
One of seven departments within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression, and creative problem-solving, while challenging them to push beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education for all.
Dora Hagaman summer 2026 internship
Dora Hagaman summer 2026 internship