You go to college. You put in a lot of effort. Finally, you earn the degree in the field you love. What comes next? As an undergrad, I can fearfully say that I have absolutely no idea! So in order to know what to expect, I attended a lecture at Sac State from alumnus and Art History major Meagan Doud, who provided her audience with a biography of her blossoming career as a museum coordinator. After all, who better to hit you with the hard truth then someone still in the process of breaking into the field.
Rather than simply retelling Meagan's story, I wish to break it down based on the most important tips I walked away with that evening.
di Rosa's Gatehouse Gallery Overlooking Winery Lake
photo by Erhard Pfeiffer
Napa California.
Meagan currently serves as the Curatorial Assistant at di Rosa.
Be prepared to deal with different personalities.
As a young music player, Meagan grew up with the experience of being singled out for one-on-one learning. So when she stepped into an Art History class as a Fine Arts major, and the professor let her know immediately that he would be tougher on her than the rest, she stood her ground and walked away with a new love for Art History. No matter what field you are in, you cannot escape the need to communicate, so knowing how to respond to different people is a great skill. When talking to different artists about displaying their work, she has to be clear about the perimeters they have to work with despite any high expectations. Everyone is different, so you have to learn to communicate a certain way with each person if you want the best results for both of you.
Know that things don't always go according to plan.
One thing is certain: life is unpredictable. After earning her B.A. in Art History at CSUS, Meagan found herself without any real direction. Her grad school applications were rejected, and she was working as a bartender in Napa; not the most artistic job out there. Despite greater goals, she took an internship at the Napa Valley Museum. Through this decision, she found new doors opening up for her and slowly built a resume of museum experience. When applying to her current position as the Curatorial Assistant at di Rosa, she let her interviewer know that she was aware that nothing goes as planned, but that she would be there person to smooth things over for the good of the museum. Just because something unexpected blocks your path, does not mean you cannot find a way around it.
Interior of the Napa Valley Museum
Napa, California.
Not her dream job, but Meagan made the most out of it.
You have to learn and get the tools first, then explore the things you like.
The Napa Valley Museum did not give Meagan the level of exposure to art she wanted. It did, however, give her the tools she would need for later positions. Her final project had her exhibit a one month exhibition; her first taste of being in charge of the important decision a curator must make. No matter how unglamorous or unrelated the job may seem, all work prepares you with the skills to help you move up, if even just a little. Meagan now had some experience that would make her look more appealing to art museums she desired.
Do your research; but also get creative.
One of Meagan's greatest challenges at di Rosa was figuring out how to transport David Best's
Rhino Car sculpture out of the museum and into somewhere else. In order to avoid damaging any artworks, Meagan has to put in the time to research the materials, locations, methods, and costs that go into altering an exhibit. Even while giving this lecture, she was still awaiting approval to move the
Rhino Car to a new location. A creative mind comes in handy when art and logistics collide.
Rhino Car
by David Best
mixed media sculpture
So much detail means so much can go wrong when transporting
this piece; I can image Meagan sees this thing in her nightmares.
Show enthusiasm, but don't burn out.
Meagan was the type of student I can relate to: taking challenges, overloading on work, and trying to do as much as possible at once. On the one hand, it is this type of personality that has allowed her to handle the demand of a museum curator and still love her job. But she gave a warning: know your limits so you do not burn out. Too much of a good thing will lead you despise what you once loved. Still, I have to admire her ability to willingly deal with so much pressure and not give up.
Learn to Write.
She said over and over. If you are in college, this should not be something you should have to hear. But still…
LEARN TO WRITE!
As Meagan wrapped up her lecture, I got the chance to ask her for advice when applying to grad school and internships based her experience. And while she sees herself reapplying to grad school in her future, she advised me to
be direct and persistent in order to make things happen. You cannot give just 50% of your effort when your future is at stake. You have to put yourself out there so the people who can make or break you know that you are in it for the long run. And with that said, you have to
know where you want to go, or else you are
guaranteed to wind up lost.
Meagan Doud: Careers in Art and Art History
Lecture at CSUS in Kadema Hall 170.
April 7, 2014. 6-7:00 pm.
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