Graduate Student Spotlight | Taurean Washington '12
"Connecting with all these great individuals as a whole becomes a community, and these relationships that are fostered are long lasting and impactful."
Art Class with Mr. T
Program
- Humanities (M.A.)
Department
- English & Communication Arts
Taurean Washington ’12 is a current student in Hood College’s Master of Arts in Humanities program. Washington is an artist and entrepreneur who is getting involved with the local community via art classes as well as his upcoming solo exhibition. We spoke with Washington about his art classes and his time at Hood College.
What is your background?
I was a military child growing up. After leaving my birthplace in Fort Worth, Texas, I moved to places such as Arizona, Panama and Washington State, then settled here in Maryland by way of Fort Detrick. I earned my associate degree in general studies at FCC. I also earned my bachelor’s in studio art at Hood College (Class of 2012). I am currently a graduate student here at Hood pursuing a master’s degree in humanities.
Why did you choose Hood College and this program?
I chose Hood College for my master’s degree studies because it felt like home to me. Since I finished my bachelor’s here, I thought I might as well have a continuation.
What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?
I enjoy the people here, especially in my humanities cohort. We have started to connect and become great colleagues as we are walking through this journey together. Also, the amazing faculty and staff here that I’ve come to connect and grow with.
How do you think your studies at Hood will help you in your career and life?
We are here in college for "What you Know," but often people cite that it’s "Who you know." Connecting with all these great individuals as a whole becomes a community, and these relationships that are fostered are long lasting and impactful. I am a person that is all about maximizing impact and creating great connections with people and communities.
Tell us more about your art classes. Where did you get the inspiration to start this?
The art class is titled "Art Class with Mr. T." Mr. T refers to what my nickname as a childcare professional for more than 10 years. Having hardship and challenges in the professional realm and having issues with not getting promoted or professional mobility, I thought to resort to my entrepreneurial mindset and my self-confidence knowing that I can create my own childcare programs. I pitched this idea to Hood leadership, and we worked out a deal to where I use the facility space for the purposes of a class.
The Frederick Arts Council has also pitched in and provided a 2025 Arts in Education Grant toward expenses of running the program. The Blue Elephant Art Center in Frederick, MD, operated by Tony Mel and Mary Beth Curry, is donating supplies as well as hosting a Youth Art Exhibition for our students in November. In addition, Tony Mel and Mary Beth Curry are volunteering their time as art instructors.
From Louise Kennelly and Gabriella Smith at the Frederick Arts Council to Tony Mel and Mary Beth at the Blue Elephant Center to Dean April Boulton, Laurie Ward and Audrey Vargason at Hood College, we have an amazing program for the Frederick community.
Any other information/fun facts that you would like to add?
Yes! In addition to my class at Hood College, I just partnered with the Common Market Grocery Store on 7th Street to run monthly art classes on first Fridays. If the numbers are strong enough, those classes will be biweekly. My first class for that starts September 5.
I have a solo exhibition at Frederick Community College that will be up September 6-October 1. The exhibition is filled with 16 original paintings that I have made, and I’m happy to have this platform to showcase my abilities. I encourage everyone to please come through to the art reception taking place 5-7 p.m. on September 6.
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