Intern Spotlight: Erin

Hello everyone! My name is Erin and I’m super excited to be starting as a Visual Arts Intern at The Umbrella. A little bit about me, I recently graduated from Keene State College in New Hampshire with a Studio Arts degree and a minor in Art History. The program I was in was very rewarding. The faculty was more than helpful during my four years and never failed to challenge their students. My favorite courses at Keene were definitely the ones that allowed me to have hands on time in the studio. Although, I would have to say my all time favorite was printmaking. I got to work with my advisor and our classes produced many projects that not only introduced us to new techniques but allowed us to put up public murals around town.

I am very interested in learning more about curating and the ins-and-outs of how an art gallery functions day to day. While at school I took a course in curating and helped put together a small works show along with my fellow classmates. The whole concept of working behind the scenes in a gallery setting really excited me. At the end of my senior year as our final project, the graduating Art students curated a gallery exhibition that showcased our finished artwork. We spent the semester writing artist statements, drafting layouts and constantly critiquing our work.  In the end, it was surreal to see everyone’s finished art, including my own, on display at the opening reception. That was certainly a feeling I will always remember. I am now getting involved in the local art scene to gain more hands on experience and to learn what goes into making an arts organization successful.