Project Description:
This summer, two W&L students will have the opportunity to learn firsthand how research on objects and artists gets “brought to life” in the form of museum labels, tours, programs, and lesson plans. Combining its longstanding summer intern program with the Summer Research Scholars program for the first time, the Museums will hire two full-time research interns to assist with collection-based projects in the Curatorial and Academic Engagement units. One student will work with Dr. Nalleli Guillen, the Museums’ Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, to reimagine labels for artwork on display in public spaces at W&L. They’ll learn about interpretation strategy, object research, the “art” of label writing, and contribute to label branding and design. Another student will work with Dr. Elizabeth Spear, Curator of Academic Engagement, to conduct research on key objects and artists in the collection that will form the basis for lesson plans, tours, and programs. Both interns and supervisors will meet as a group throughout the summer to share their work and develop interpretations collaboratively. Interns will also get the chance to see behind the scenes of the Museums’ upcoming exhibitions, Stephanie Shih: Long Time No See and Emma Steinkraus: Impossible Garden from Dawn to Dusk (both opening on August 28, 2024).
Prerequisites
Open to rising juniors and seniors. Open to all majors. Ideally, the successful applicant will be creative and comfortable writing and interested in working with art.
Special Comments
Students must indicate a first and second choice between the Engagement and Curatorial positions. Hybrid work schedule is negotiable, with some remote days allowed. Internship will conclude on August 2.
Project Information
Estimated Start Date: 6/10/24
Estimated End Date: 8/2/24
Maximum number of students sought: 2
Contact Information: Elizabeth Spear (espear@wlu.edu)