Maggie Edwards, MA Art History 2018, Cofounder and Curator at Verve Art Source

Maggie Edwards, MA Art History 2018, Cofounder and Curator at Verve Art Source

Mason's Art History Program is small but mighty. As a graduate student I was challenged and supported by a close-knit group of professors, faculty, and staff that regularly demonstrated an impressive level of care for their students and the quality of the program. In the last few months of my thesis work I was diagnosed with cancer. The entire department rallied around me, and their support in navigating my uncertain academic future was incredible. While it's an extreme example of the level of support this department is capable of, I'm sure many other student's feel similarly. 

My experience in the Art History Program demonstrated that if you are passionate and diligent, your path will be successful and fulfilling even if it has more twists and turns than you could have ever imagined. Trusting science and experiencing remission allowed me to enjoy the success of completing my MA. That confidence boost, and the unrelenting support, helped me decide to team up with a former colleague to start an independent art advising firm. 

In March 2022, we started Verve Art Source. The idea was born out of years of friends and family members approaching us to discuss various art needs. After our work in galleries and museums, we wanted to start a business outside of traditional frameworks, one that focused on opening doors to people who felt intimidated by or just unsure about how to source quality original art by contemporary artists. Alongside that goal, we actively promote local and regional artists, especially those historically marginalized because of gender or race. 

From provenance research on a family-owned 100-year-old Scottish oil painting to a complete art and interior décor refresh for a client's vacation home, our projects have been quite varied. The flexibility and support in my graduate program prepared me for this business where I am not limited by the title of cofounder and curator but free to inhabit many other roles. During my time at Mason, I was able to take courses in a wide array of subjects to craft a degree tailored to my interests. My professors regularly encouraged me to explore topics outside my contemporary art focus. The advice I received to get creative and craft a career that emphasizes my strengths informs and inspires my daily work.