Emma Wynne ’18
Winter internship: New Bedford Art Museum/Art Works! (NBAM/AW!), New Bedford, Mass.
Award: Nancy Lynn Porter ’43 Fellowship
Major: Art history, German studies
Family connection: “I was first introduced to the museum when my sister had work displayed for the UMass Dartmouth BFA Senior Exhibit. Now, she works as a visitor assistant there, and helped set me up with this opportunity.
Beyond the exhibits: “During this internship, I was able to see behind the scenes of a museum and community art center. While working on the annual report, I saw a snapshot of how an institution fundraises, as well as the kinds of exhibits, events and programs they host over the course of a year. I also got a sense of how a small museum like NBAM/AW! is able to have such a close relationship with its community, while still attracting outside visitors.”
Focusing on the future: “I hope to work in a museum setting one day, but because every facet of museum work interests me, I have been trying to narrow my focus. The goal of my internships has been to try out the different kinds of jobs I could have in a museum field. During this internship and my internship last summer at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, I have enjoyed observing people around me, learning how they got the job they have and the struggles and rewards of their profession.”
Going solo: “I did a lot of work independently. Although I was honored to be trusted with the tasks, it was a challenge because I had to be incredibly diligent when double-checking my work.”
Final product: “It is such a satisfying feeling to know that something I worked on (the annual report) will actually be printed and sent out to all the people who support the institution. It is rewarding to have helped with an important project like this that will be seen by so many people.”