A Big, Smiling, Crying Thank-You!

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