Graduating Class (Year): 2010

What you are up to now?

I'm the Associate Director, Special Events at Storm King Art Center in Cornwall, NY. Storm King is a 500-acre outdoor museum featuring over 100 sculptures by artists such as Maya Lin, Andy Goldsworthy, Alexander Calder, and Richard Serra, plus many more. I am responsible for overseeing the fundraising via our special events programming, which include our Summer Solstice Celebration at Storm King in June and our Annual Gala in NYC in October. 

What led you into arts management? 

My love of art and museums started at a young age on visits to the great NYC institutions like The Met and American Museum of Natural History, and funny enough, Storm King Art Center. In undergrad, I completed a BA in English with a minor in Education thinking I would eventually teach high school. However, my continued interest in the arts pushed me to explore what career options were available in museums. I entered the arts management program after graduation, and was able to explore the field through the curriculum and fieldwork. My first job out of the program was in the development department at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY, where I honed my skills in  museum fundraising, marketing and event fundraising. I am so grateful for starting my career at a such a wonderful institution, and took what I learned about building donor relationships, and creating experiences to escalating roles at the Chicago History Museum, an education not-for-profit Embarc, and currently at Storm King. 

Most memorable experience in the Program?

Our Summer School program at the 2009 Venice Biennale. There are memories from that trip that will stay with me throughout my lifetime. 

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

I wish I had known to pace myself early on in my career, and not be too distracted or discouraged by things outside of my control. 

Advice for current/prospective students?  

Museums and arts organizations are becoming the leaders in creative communications, audience research, and social media. This is true especially for those interested in working in development, marketing or education. Be sure to hone your communication and data analysis skills, and check out resources available from thought leaders and communities such as Museum and the Web, Know Your Own Bone, and the American Alliance of Museums. Also, be sure to network with professionals in the vibrant Buffalo arts community and attend as many events, openings, and shows as you can (a shout-out to the great work of my fellow alumni Dan Shanahan at Torn Space Theater, and of course, all of the exciting happenings at the Albright-Knox!)