2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Juliana Olave

How/why did you choose your major?

I always knew that it was the only thing I wanted to do.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted for merits is all pretty recent work. Work from my beginning portion was destroyed by flooding, so most of the work I showed was made with the goal is expanding my body of work.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

Since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a painter. MCAD was the right decision for numerous reasons, but when I visited MCAD, I knew I had to go there.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

To create!

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

The professors are what make this campus truly special and help me grow as an artist.

What inspires you?

I think the thing that inspired me most was making my dad proud. It is what keeps me motivated to create and knowing someone is excited about my work keeps me inspired.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

Little Secret! It was the most taxing painting I made, but the most rewarding and the one I am most proud of. I was inspired by Paula Rego's work when I created this painting. It is a self-portrait of me falling off a couch clutching the purple dress that I am wearing.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Red.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

A mannequin!

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

What's a book or movie that has had a lasting impact on you? The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath