Alison Hughes, Denison University '04, is Director of Programs at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a spectacular, new 85-acre park on the Brooklyn Waterfront. As Director of Programs, Alison works to ensure the park is used and enjoyed by people from all over the world. She plans over 450 events in the park every year, including recreation, music, theater, dance, film, and much more.
While it seems like an odd link to art history, Alison's educational background has undoubtedly influenced her current work. She has worked to plan public art education tours based on exhibitions in the park and developed art activities for families. Previously, at Madison Square Park, in Manhattan, she created an interactive art education center for visitors to the park. Prior to Madison Square Park, at the Art Institute of Chicago, she worked to develop an online resource for teachers focused on Impressionism and an after-school teen program, both of which still exist.
While it seems like an odd link to art history, Alison's educational background has undoubtedly influenced her current work.
She thinks often of her time dreaming of Greece in Dr. Sandin's lectures and a research trip to NYC with Dr. Grabski, but most of all the liberal arts atmosphere throughout Denison. She learned how to write, how to think for herself, and how to communicate effectively, all of which have helped shape her professional career and relationships.
One piece of advice for current students: relish the relationships you have with your professors and really try to soak in every moment. Your time goes by so fast and before you know it, you'll be out in the real world.
Alison holds a BA in Art History from Denison University. In her free time, she loves to play tennis, discover new restaurants, visit museums and spend time with family and friends.
