Closing in on week 3….

August 5th, 2010 at 04:11pm zoekessler

Wow, it’s almost August. Where did the time go?  My internship and my time with the Museum of Arts and Design are soon coming to a close and I’ll be heading back to St. Louis for school.  Although my time here has been well spent, I’m wishing  I could stay a few weeks longer.

Last week, I began working more closely with Jake Yuzna, the Manager of Public Programs in the Education Department here at the museum.  The Zombo Italiano series is approaching it’s end, with the final showing tonight at 7pm. I am mostly doing some preliminary research for him for upcoming programs and events, including our Screenings of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s legendary films.  Research, although sometimes tedious or seemingly menial, is helping me to really learn a lot about the preparation it takes to get these programs off the ground.  The Public Programs and Education department at this museum (and any other museum for that matter) can be one of the more essential outlets for connecting the museum to the greater community.  It is through these public programs that we are able to get the community involved and invested in the work the museum is doing.

On another vein, I’m officially obsessed with the ARTSlife interns.  I was fortunate enough to be invited by Bobby to make a presentation about my artwork to the students as we would be making the trek to Governor’s island to visit some other Artist’s studios the following day. To better prepare the interns for those interactions, Bobby thought it’d be interesting for me to show them my work, and allow them to ask me some questions about my methodologies and practice.  Getting to show my work to a group of students in that way was a strange feeling, but I left knowing more about what I’m actually after as an artist.  I’ve very often heard that if you teach something, it helps you better understand it yourself.  This experience only solidified that idea for me.  The students were very receptive and seemed interested in what I had to say, asking if I could offer any advice to them or younger artists.

This summer has been one of the most rewarding and influential summers I’ve ever had.  Being exposed to two different opportunities in the art world (having interned at Christie’s Auction House prior to my museum internship),  I’m able to really hone in on what it is that makes me happy.  I’m hoping that with this knowledge, I can make a more educated decision about what it is I am trying to pursue post-graduation.

Thanks for listening! Till next time,

-Zoe

Entry Filed under: ARTSLife,teachers' lounge