By ALISA THOMAS

Staff Writer

Marie Bukowski, an assistant professor of art, recently returned from a three-week fellowship with nine other artists at the Frans Masereel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium from Nov. 8 to 29.

Frans Masereel Centrum is a print shop where artists are given the opportunity to live and work with other artists and learn different types of art, as well as share their art.

"The fellowship allows me the opportunity to see all different kinds of printing and experience working in a facility with a variety of artists and art styles," Bukowski said.

Bukowski produced 76 art pieces.

The print shop kept three and another three were sent to the Royal Museum in Antwerp, Belgium.

Pam Adkinson, a senior art studio major, said she sees Bukowski's trip as an inspiration and beneficial in helping students get a better understanding of art.

"I think that it's important to have teachers who are up-to-date and are working internationally as professionals," Adkinson said.

"It inspires me as a student. She practices what she preaches."

In producing these works, Bukowski's art will travel through exhibitions all through Europe.

The School of Art funded the trip, and Bukowski had to do the research and present it to the school for approval after she was accepted.

Students who value her contributions said they are happy for Bukowski's achievements and value her expertise.

"She's actually out in the real world making it as an artist. It inspires me. I feel that if she can do it, I can do it," Adkinson said.

Other art students see Bukowski's experience as a great opportunity for their professor to showcase her talents and encourage others.

"Her success inspires me as a student," Danielle Rose, a sophomore architecture major, said.

"This is a great opportunity for her."