Graduating Class (Year): 2019

What you are up to now?

I’m just starting a new position at the Corning Museum of Glass! Before that, I was the Collections and Exhibitions Manager at the Arnot Art Museum. 

What led you into arts management?

I’ve always loved art. I took a studio painting class in undergrad that really sealed the deal. At the same time, I was taking a really great art history course that led me into an internship at a museum. From there, I was able to get a guest services job at another local museum and just kept going after that! 

Most memorable experience in the Program?

The trips we were able to go on were really great. Getting out into the world and talking with people who are actually doing the work you’re aspiring towards is a wonderful way to learn. 

Museums Advocacy Day in D.C. was also a really valuable experience. It introduced a whole new area of study. The policies and legalities surrounding  the arts and funding is an important part of the job that you might not think of when you’re starting out. 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

There’s a push and pull between old and new generations and their corresponding ideas that can be difficult wade through - I’ve found this in museums in particular. Also, there’s so many different ways that a job can be done, no one person has the perfect answers. 

Advice for current/prospective students?

Listen to people. So much of arts administration is listening, asking the right questions, and responding accordingly. Be humble and be willing to learn. Also have fun!