Dear colleagues,
It's been such a pleasure to work with each and every one of you over the past seven-plus months. You have all been consistently kind, welcoming, encouraging, and instructive throughout my time with the Museum. I've learned all about the good, bad, and ugly of the museum/nonprofit/public-private partnership world, and am far more strongly equipped for the future because of it.
At the beginning of the summer, I had a choice between two arts-related internships. Needless to say, I am absolutely positive that I chose the correct one. All of the museum staff has been responsive to my needs, and persistent in pushing my growth in the organization. My time has left me with a thorough introduction to all that museum work entails--from first ideas and research to an exhibition's opening day.
My direct supervisor, Dana, has consistently asked me about the good and bad of my work, and has provided me with an extensive variety of tasks to illustrate all parts of the work in curation. She has always been extremely kind and has, if nothing else, taught me the importance of systems and organization in establishing an efficient means of putting together a show. Above her, Emily and Claire have been excellent creative voices for the museum and for my ears, always welcoming me in every way possible, and exposing me to a vast array of art in all media, ensuring I stay engaged with the work I was performing. Tania, above all, has been a light in the office. While I didn't perform many tasks for her (much of her work is off-site), it was always a pleasure walking in in the morning to see her sitting in her (newly-Will-Bruder-ized!) cubicle. Laura and Pat were excellent, thoughtful leaders in the installation team, utilizing what skills I already had, and encouraging the growth of new ones at every turn. I can't wait to come back and work for you two for real! And that doesn't even include Lesley, Tim, Christie, Rivance, (other) Laura, and the numerous others in SMoCA and the Cultural Council at large who have given me so many opportunities for growth.
While I am very sad to not be working directly with each of you anymore, I could not be more grateful for this time, or more excited to begin my work with Laura and Pat as a real, live assistant preparator in January! Thank you each so much for trusting me and believing in me.
-Connor
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Lessons Learned
Well that was quick. Just a few months ago, I was embarking upon a new semester, ready to tackle the second phase of my internship at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Clichéd as it may be to say, it's all true. While I'm ready to move on, it's strange to know that I won't be doing the same duties each week with the excellent staff under whom I've been learning for the past seven-plus months.
On the subject of learning, I finally was able to understand all of the inner-workings of a moderately-sized nonprofit (one that even has to extensively work with city government), and the incredibly complex process that produces some of the best art exhibitions I have ever seen. More specifically, I learned about the particular practices of artistic research, the contracting and archiving process, and the installation process. With regard to installation, I finally saw how site-specific art works are put together. Spoiler: it's really hard, turns out differently ever time, involves a lot of trial-and-error, and requires tons of creativity to get done. BUT, it's always worth it. Also, as with every internship and job I've had previously, I learned about professional workplace dynamics. What was different this time? This time, I actually sat at a desk for entire days! While there was certainly hands-on and other unique work, it was honestly the first time I saw how an actual, (semi-) traditional office is made up. At times exciting, at times mundane, but always something I am glad to have experienced.
When looking back at my initial goals for this internship, I am proud to say that I have a deliverable outcome for each!
1. Better understand how to create a cohesive show of art work
I'm co-curating a group art show at my workplace (gallery Modified Arts) that opens this month! Also, I feel quite prepared for future work in a museum setting.
2. Gain practical skills to complement my creative ones in working at the intersection of art and urbanism (my true twin passions)
Here, while I failed in my first attempt, I will be reapplying for a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council to fund a documentation project (inclusive of writing, researching, and curating a photo exhibition) of historic properties along the light rail. While this iron was already in the fire when I started, I feel far more prepared for action this time around.
3. Build relationships into which I might one day build a career.
I got a job! While not in curatorial, I am now an assistant preparator for the Museum, beginning in January. Cool stuff!
A pretty successful semester, in my estimation.
On the subject of learning, I finally was able to understand all of the inner-workings of a moderately-sized nonprofit (one that even has to extensively work with city government), and the incredibly complex process that produces some of the best art exhibitions I have ever seen. More specifically, I learned about the particular practices of artistic research, the contracting and archiving process, and the installation process. With regard to installation, I finally saw how site-specific art works are put together. Spoiler: it's really hard, turns out differently ever time, involves a lot of trial-and-error, and requires tons of creativity to get done. BUT, it's always worth it. Also, as with every internship and job I've had previously, I learned about professional workplace dynamics. What was different this time? This time, I actually sat at a desk for entire days! While there was certainly hands-on and other unique work, it was honestly the first time I saw how an actual, (semi-) traditional office is made up. At times exciting, at times mundane, but always something I am glad to have experienced.
When looking back at my initial goals for this internship, I am proud to say that I have a deliverable outcome for each!
1. Better understand how to create a cohesive show of art work
I'm co-curating a group art show at my workplace (gallery Modified Arts) that opens this month! Also, I feel quite prepared for future work in a museum setting.
2. Gain practical skills to complement my creative ones in working at the intersection of art and urbanism (my true twin passions)
Here, while I failed in my first attempt, I will be reapplying for a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council to fund a documentation project (inclusive of writing, researching, and curating a photo exhibition) of historic properties along the light rail. While this iron was already in the fire when I started, I feel far more prepared for action this time around.
3. Build relationships into which I might one day build a career.
I got a job! While not in curatorial, I am now an assistant preparator for the Museum, beginning in January. Cool stuff!
A pretty successful semester, in my estimation.
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