Penn State student blends art and philosophy to promote accessibility

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Amanda Demuth, a second-year Penn State student is pursuing degrees in philosophy and art history. Her journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for accessibility in the arts and an unexpected path to discovering philosophy. As a student engagement intern at the Palmer Museum of Art and a mentor for first-year students, Demuth has taken on the roles of both creator and connector, helping others find value in art and academia alike.

Growing up in rural New Philadelphia, Ohio, Demuth said she faced limited access to art and cultural experiences. Despite this, her determination to make art accessible to others only grew. Demuth, a student in the College of the Liberal Arts and College of Arts and Architecture, said she firmly believes that everyone should be exposed to art and philosophy as they’re “the things that make us human.” This belief fuels her work at Penn State, where she hopes to introduce others to the transformative power of art, particularly those from underrepresented or underserved communities.

Discovering a passion for art and philosophy

Demuth’s decision to pursue art history stemmed from an unexpected gap in her education journey. After high school, she said, she took a two-year break, using that time to save money and embark on a solo cross-country road trip.

“I had wanted to see more of the world, so I packed up my car, saved for nearly a year, and took off,” Demuth said.

Along her journey, she was captivated by the art she encountered, from public murals to small gallery exhibits.

“Every town had something to offer, and art was everywhere,” she said.

This experience left her eager to study art history, understanding the stories and historical contexts behind the works, she said. Philosophy became a second passion during this time as well. After a friend recommended Jean-Paul Sartre’s Nausea, Demuth found herself deeply engaged with existential ideas, especially those related to meaning, identity and purpose.

“Philosophy helped me better understand myself and express ideas that are important to me in a way that can resonate with everyone,” she said.

Demuth explained that balancing her majors allows her to approach art from a philosophical perspective, drawing connections between visual art and existential thought.

“I think my interests in art and philosophy complement each other,” she said. “Both require deep analysis and a willingness to look beyond the surface, and each pushes me to think critically and openly.”

Demuth said she hopes to help others find these connections, which she believes can foster a more thoughtful and empathetic society.

Building community through art

In her role as a student engagement intern at the Palmer Museum, Demuth works alongside the Education and Outreach Team to organize monthly "Art After Hours" events, each month focusing on a different theme. She’s helped curate experiences that encourage visitors to explore art in unique and engaging ways. For instance, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Demuth coordinated a bracelet-making workshop inspired by indigenous Peruvian weaving techniques, an experience that drew many students and community members.

“I love connecting with people who may not usually attend museums and helping them find something meaningful here,” she said.

For the Palmer Museum’s annual "Halloween Spooktacular" in October, Demuth and her coworkers led groups through the museum, telling ghost stories related to select artworks as part of a "Zombie Adventure" tour.

“It’s rewarding to create experiences that help people see the museum as a lively and welcoming place,” she said. “Working here has really expanded my idea of what it means to make art accessible. It’s about more than just opening doors; it’s about making sure people feel comfortable exploring what art can offer them.”

Demuth’s role at the Palmer Museum has also exposed her to the inner workings of a museum, from planning programs to working with artists and educators.

“I never realized how much goes on behind the scenes in museums. There’s so much intentionality that goes into each exhibit, each event,” she said.

Demuth said she hopes to use this experience to further her commitment to accessibility in the arts, possibly by working in museum education after graduation.

Mentorship and meaningful connections

In addition to her work at the Palmer Museum, Demuth has also served as a Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP) mentor, where she supported first-year students navigating college life. As a first-generation college student, Demuth understands the challenges of adjusting to the academic world and is passionate about helping other students make that transition.

“Being a mentor allowed me to provide the support I wish I had when I first came to Penn State,” she said.

Last summer, she appreciated the chance to bond with incoming students, she said, showing them how to balance schoolwork with leisure, campus activities and personal time.

“Being here during the summer made me realize that I don’t always allow myself enough downtime during the regular school year, so that’s something I’m working on,” she said.

Demuth’s mentoring role enabled her to form lasting connections with her mentees, she said, some of whom still reach out to her for advice and support.

“I want to be a person they can trust and come to whenever they need help,” she said.

Looking to the future

For Demuth, pursuing her academic dreams has come with significant financial challenges.

“It’s been exceedingly difficult to find financial support, but I am grateful for every opportunity I get,” she said about the academic scholarships she has received through the College of the Liberal Arts.

To cover costs, she said she balances multiple jobs and internships, all while keeping her grades up in her demanding majors.

“I chose my majors because they are both subjects I care deeply about, and that’s what keeps me going," she added. "It can be challenging, especially financially, but when you pursue something that aligns with your values, the journey itself becomes meaningful.”

Demuth’s dedication to her studies and internships reflects her ultimate goal: to teach art history and philosophy at the collegiate level. She said she envisions a career where she can share her passions with students, helping them explore how art and philosophy intersect and shape human experience.

“Education is a huge privilege, and I don’t take that for granted,” she said. “I want to inspire others to engage with these fields as openly as I have.”

Demuth said she hopes to contribute to the future of museums by developing programs that reach diverse audiences. Her vision is to create exhibits and events that welcome people from all backgrounds, introducing them to the world of art and philosophy in a way that is accessible and engaging. She’s particularly passionate about reaching rural and low-income communities, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to appreciate and learn from the arts.

Reflecting on her time at Penn State, Demuth said, “It’s been a challenging journey, but I feel I’m growing into the person I’ve always wanted to become. I hope I inspire others to find beauty and meaning in the arts, regardless of their background.”