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Aileen Cave has taken the long way around in pursuing her love of art.

The 55-year-old 91���� student has worked in the banking industry, attended multiple colleges and universities, spent 17 years as a paralegal and raised a family.

Today, she is taking classes in intermediate painting and advanced drawing and is scheduled to graduate on April 30 with a .

“I loved the fact that they were giving me answers, things I didn’t understand about art, teaching me things I didn’t have a clue about,” she said. “Learning doesn’t have to be at a formal institution, but it sure speeds up the process. You can do it by the school of hard knocks — which I have done — but I am ready for the fast track.”

Cave’s goal is to get her master’s degree in fine art and become a studio painter. “I think you have to paint a whole lot of paintings to own the knowledge,” she said. “I really want to learn how to express the things I want to express.”

You can see artwork by Cave and other 91���� fine art students at .

ArtsGala draws nearly 800 patrons each year to enjoy an impressive program of student performances in theatre, dance, motion pictures, music and visual arts. During its 16-year history, the event has raised $2 million and created over 50 scholarships for fine and performing arts students.

Visit wright.edu/artsgala for information and tickets.