Arts administration interns take on Rockwell exhibit
Xueyin Chen, left, and Alyssa Morasco
Xueyin Chen , a junior BFA Graphic Design major, and senior art history major Alyssa Morasco are student assistants for an exhibit of rare Norman Rockwell lithographs coming to campus this spring.
Although the exhibition is still over three months away, Ms. Chen and Ms. Morasco are busy with preparations. Ms. Chen is designing invitations, tickets and posters for the exhibit while Ms. Morasco is assisting Gallery Director June Miller-Spann in the overall organization of the show.
"Ms. Miller-Spann has given me a lot of room for creativity and (she) trusts me a great deal, which I am very grateful for," said Ms. Chen, whose home is in the coastal Guangdong province of China. "I feel that I am gaining solid experience by working with the great range of people involved with the project."
"I am honored to have been given this opportunity," added Ms. Morasco, who is from Elba, NY in Genesee County. "The experience, especially as an undergraduate, is extremely valuable to me."
The positions allow the students to take a possible look into the future. Both Ms. Chen and Ms. Morasco believe their career paths may lead to administrative roles at a museum or gallery, and their work with Ms. Miller-Spann is a chance to sample the lifestyle.
"Gallery work is a possibility," Ms. Morasco said. "June is giving me the opportunity to acquire practical experience and insight into how a professional gallery operates."
Preparing for "Norman Rockwell: The American Family Drawings" is not the easiest way to wrap up a busy academic year. Knowing that the payoff will be an exhibition by one of the most beloved American artists of the 20th century, however, makes the work worthwhile.
"It will be fun," Ms. Chen said. "I am glad I have the opportunity to participate."
The exhibition will be open for public viewing from Sunday, June 18 to Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for seniors, students and children. Presale tickets go on sale at the SUNY Fredonia Central Ticket Office on Saturday, April 1. Group rates are available. Call 716-673-3501 to order.
