The low rhythmic beats of music and the faint scent of paint filled the college art gallery. Soft track lighting highlighted abstract canvases and delicate sculptures, casting long shadows across the polished floor.
A curvy girl with auburn hair in a pixie cut sat at the desk fidgeting with the drawstring on her hoodie annoyed she kept stealing glances at the clock. 10 minutes until closing, and the new kid hasn't bothered to show up.
The door creaked open.
"Uh--hey. Is this the right place for new hires?"
She turned, eyeing the guy standing awkwardly in the entrance. Messy dark hair, a blue button down shirt and a nervous grip on the strap of his backpack. Definitely a freshman.
She gave him a once-over, then nodded toward the counter. "You're late, you were supposed to be here an hour ago for orientation. We are about to close now."
"Yeah, sorry. I got lost. The campus is massive" He shifted, his eyes darting to the nearest painting. "And then I, uh... stopped to look at the murals outside. They're amazing." Quinn's lips curved into a slight smile. "At least you have good taste."
Oliver let out a breathy chuckle. "Guess that's a decent start?"
She motioned him forward. "Come on, I'll show you around. We lock up in ten, but I'll give you the quick version."
As she walked him through the gallery, she pointed out the sections--student work, faculty pieces, alumni, the rotating exhibitions. Oliver trailed close behind, occasionally stopping to study the art.
"So, do you paint?" she asked, noting how his gaze lingered on a moody oil piece.
"Not really. I draw sometimes. Sketch, mostly. But I love looking at the paintings.."
"If you don't paint, why request the gallery as your work study?"
"I do photography."
Quinn smirks. "So why not do something related to photography?"
"Everything in art is related, it's all light, shadow, color theory, and composition telling a story. Just different tools used to make it."
