Bonnie Qinyue Xue, a graduate of Carlisle, has recently made significant strides as a professional artist. After graduating from Carlisle in 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft/Material Studies with a specialized focus on jewelry from Virginia Commonwealth University. The interlude between her undergraduate and graduate studies consisted of her honing her craft as a jeweler at a fine jewelry company in St. Louis. Her journey then continued at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing in 2022. Post-graduation, she was a freelance artist in Shanghai, where she collaborated with a global event agency to execute product launches and exhibition events for various luxury brands. Currently, she is in the midst of transitioning back to the United States with a definitive plan to establish her independent studio. Bonnie says, “This move marks the next chapter in my artistic journey, where I aspire to continue crafting and contributing to the creative industry.”

Q: What Carlisle experiences influenced you the most?

A: “My formative years at Carlisle have left an indelible mark on my life, shaped by a multitude of impactful experiences. Among them, the gracious hospitality extended by my host family stands out prominently, as they embraced me at a tender age, offering both solace and immersion in the rich tapestry of American culture. The enduring bond forged since 2012 has been a steadfast anchor, weathering the challenges of time. My engagement with the volleyball team proved transformative, instilling in me an unwavering commitment to personal growth and fostering a collective ethos within the team. Simultaneously, my involvement in various plays and musicals ignited a profound passion for theater, unraveling a myriad of possibilities in the realms of stage, costume, and makeup design. These diverse experiences not only enriched my skill set but also served as catalysts for self-discovery and lifelong connections.”

Q: What is your favorite Carlisle memory or favorite teacher?

A:  “A cherished memory unfolds from an afternoon when I sought guidance from Mr. Morrison for a poetry reading assignment, grappling with the complexities of the English language as a non-native speaker. In that brief yet transformative session, Mr. Morrison not only assisted me in navigating the intricacies of the task but also illuminated the realms of poetry and language, profoundly altering my relationship with literature.”

Q: What is the most important thing you learned while at Carlisle?

A: “The most important thing I learned is not to let my comfort zone hold back the pursuit of my curiosities.”

Q: What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at Carlisle?

A: “Cultivate an enduring curiosity that extends both to the intricacies of the world around you and the depths of self-discovery.”

Q: How did your education at Carlisle prepare you for what you are doing today?

A: “The educational foundation laid at Carlisle has been instrumental in cultivating a profound sense of self-drive within me, a pivotal attribute indispensable for flourishing in the dynamic landscape of the creative industry.”

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

A: “The accomplishment of which I take immense pride, and one that I shall forever carry with me, is my adept ability to navigate challenges with unwavering determination and a creative approach to problem-solving.”

We are so proud of Bonnie and wish her the best in her journey of opening her own studio! Our immense alumni network comprises many successful and accomplished graduates we are pleased to call our own! 

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