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My time spent at the 701 CCA...


Hello! My name is Brianna, and this is the last week of my fall internship at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art and it has been an amazing ride! I’ll be finishing my BA in Art History this semester as well and when I was thinking about ways to start approaching my career, I realized I wanted hands on experience in a local gallery before I jumped right in. I thought this internship program would be the best fit because it’s a non-profit organization with a committed group of helpers and beautiful artworks. The environment at the 701 CCA made me feel comfortable with gallery guests, talking freely with them about art. The director Hannah and the volunteers really love their work here and having that kind of environment makes you want to participate to your best ability.
I was so nervous when I first started, so unsure of how it was going to work out but at every turn I was pleasantly surprised. I'm a hands-on person and all the tasks available made things so exciting for me. I got the opportunity to write press releases and a media advisory and so many other tasks it would be silly to list them all. This program makes the interns feel important and valuable and I really appreciate that they were willing to hear all my ideas.
I recommend the 701 Center for Contemporary Art internship program to anyone interested in getting that personalized experience. Also, don’t think that this internship only applies to one job field. Yes, I’m an Art major but what I found through this whole experience is that this type of program bridges different trades and jobs. My fellow intern, a marketing major, created and developed all kinds of material for the organization which I had never realized they would need. 
Bottom line is, on my last day here I’m looking back at this experience fondly. I am so happy with all the new things I got to try and experience while I was here. It went by faster than I realized and now I wish it could last a little longer...

Favorites:
Install day and Deinstall day!
These were my absolute favorite days of the week! I want to be a curator someday so being able to get into the gallery, break things down, re-arrange, paint and organize was a dream job for me.

10 Year Anniversary:
I helped to plan the 10-year anniversary and it gave me the opportunity to come up with ideas which was a real confidence booster for me. To see how the project developed over planning to execution was a rewarding experience.

Tips:
Be honest about what you want to do!
Everyone at the 701 CCA want to help you develop your ideas and apply them. So, don’t be afraid to try some new project! Try writing your first press release, meet an artist and help them install their work, or even develop a social media network. This program can be so beneficial if you only ask!

Do your research!
If a new artist is coming in check out their work, look at their bio, and their artist statements. This helps you throughout the process whether you must write about an exhibition or you must explain something to a guest. It’s always better to know and you’ll grow to appreciate how much effort and thought goes into every piece these artists create.

Favorite artworks during internship:  
 
Carey Morton

 
Brittany Watkins

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