Current student Pearl Shread shared the following about being an intern at Available Potential Enterprises (A.P.E)…
How did you find this internship?
My internship was with a art gallery within my hometown, so I had known about its existence for years. I looked online at the website and found the phone number, and just called them and asked them if they had any internships. They emailed me back and we were able to set up the internship!
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
My internship was with a art gallery within my hometown, so I had known about its existence for years. I looked online at the website and found the phone number, and just called them and asked them if they had any internships. They emailed me back and we were able to set up the internship!
What did you find challenging?
One of my responsibilities was to be a gallery docent, the person who sits in the gallery and greets visitors as well as answers any questions, maintains gallery upkeep and counts the number of visitors. One of the challenging things was seeing how many people do not come into the galleries. It was difficult knowing how amazing the gallery was, and what interesting work was inside, but also knowing most people do not attend galleries, feel comfortable in them, or think they are “for them”. Luckily, the internship opportunity will allow me to continue working in galleries and see what we can do to increase public viewership of, and interaction with, art.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
If you are interested in the art world, try working at a smaller gallery. The small size of my organization meant I was able to interact with all of the staff members and get more experience in more areas than I would have working for a large museum. It was a great starting point, and from here on I know the areas of gallery work I would want to continue in and narrow in on.
