For Residential College alumni, the creative exploration and interdisciplinary learning that begin at the RC often extend far beyond graduation. For Cristina Squatriti, a graduate of the RC and U-M with a degree in Spanish Literature, those experiences helped inspire an artistic journey that has taken her from the studios of East Quad to the Vatican and, most recently, Spain.
While studying Spanish Literature, Cristina also explored sculpture and other visual arts with RC Sculpture Instructor Ray Wetzel and other faculty. These opportunities to experiment with different materials and techniques sparked an interest in sculpture that continued well beyond her undergraduate years. She later attended the Vatican’s School of Arts and Crafts, where she worked with marble, before pursuing a summer internship with internationally acclaimed artist Juan Garaizabal in Cifuentes, Spain, a small town near Madrid.
During her internship, Cristina helped prepare artwork for a music festival called Heave, where her sculptures were displayed alongside one of Garaizabal’s large-scale metal works. Although she had developed her interest in sculpture during her time at the RC, working with Garaizabal offered an opportunity to explore a less familiar medium: metal.
Cristina was particularly struck by Garaizabal’s collaborative approach. Despite his international recognition, he welcomed critique and feedback throughout the creative process, an experience she described as “really cool.”
Cristina also contributed two sculptures of her own: cement towers with metal attachments that form an ensemble titled Energia. Inspired by the Alcarria landscape and the Trillo Nuclear Power Plant, the works reflect her continued experimentation with materials, environments, and artistic expression.
Reflecting on her experiences, Cristina encourages students interested in the arts not to be intimidated by unfamiliar techniques or the prospect of learning something new. Her journey illustrates how exploring an interest outside one's major can open doors to unexpected opportunities long after graduation.
At the Residential College, students from all academic backgrounds can explore their creativity through hands-on courses in sculpture, ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, and more. The RC Visual Arts program encourages students to experiment, develop new skills, and discover their own artistic perspectives, regardless of their previous experience.
--
Interested in seeing what RC students are creating? Explore the RC Visual Arts program and visit the RC Student Visual Arts Exhibition, opening December 4, 2026, in the RC Art Gallery at East Quadrangle. The exhibition features work created by students in RC visual arts courses throughout the semester, celebrating their creativity, experimentation, and artistic growth.
RC Visual Arts courses are open to all LSA and RC students.
