Tag: paidinternship

by Audrey Capria, Public Programs Intern

When I first started my internship in the Public Programs department at the American Folk Art Museum, my understanding of what was required to work in this field was limited. In a broad sense, I understood the responsibility of a public programs director was to engage patrons through special events. In order to gain a deeper perspective of the department’s inner workings, my supervisor Persephone Allen assigned me such duties like assisting in the set-up of events, digital documentation of survey responses, as well as analyzing the survey’s results. I learned all feedback is vital. By accessing the audience’s responses, we obtain greater insight on how to improve our patrons’ experiences in the future.  Persephone also had me attend public programs at various institutions. Whether it was in person or through a virtual online event, I was able to see how each program reflected artwork from their collection or on-going exhibition.

The first AFAM program I participated in was the Dialogue & Studio: Lacemaking Workshop. The instructor was Elena Kanagy-Loux, a Collections Specialist at the Antonio Ratti Textile Center and founder of the Brooklyn Lace Guild. All guests were provided a set of materials to create bobbin lace. Before Kanagy-Loux began her lace demonstration, the class toured the gallery to discuss a few 19^th-century portraits featured in AFAM’s American Perspectives exhibition. In each portrait, the subject wore some form of lace fabric. Kanagy-Loux pointed out and named each type of textile and explained the process that went into making it. The workshop contained no more than ten people, which made it easier for participants to concentrate and receive more individualized attention. I also noticed during the making portion of the event, that when one person was struggling with a pattern, a nearby seat mate would offer their assistance. As an educator, Kanagy-Loux’s patient approach and intriguing dialogue helped the program run smoothly. Event-goers responded positively to her direction and expressed interest (myself included) in attending future programs on lacemaking. Participants were also provided a list of resources on bobbin lace. I learned from this experience there are many different components in creating a successful program. Some of those components are: a strong lesson plan, subject matter that is interesting and relevant, and most important, creating a learning environment that is conducive for an audience.

I faced some challenges during the internship. They ranged from the universal struggle of adapting to life during COVID-19, learning how to use different kinds of software (my fellow interns can definitely attest to this!), and becoming more self-confident. It was such an honor to work with the staff and the internship cohort at the American Folk Art Museum. I am endlessly grateful for their support, mentorship, and resources that they provided. It was a powerful experience and I would not trade it in for anything.