Monday, October 10, 2022

Gallery Hosts are some of the most visible employees at the Stanley Museum of Art; they are stationed at the front desk and in the lobby, their primary purpose being to greet guests and orient them to the museum. Gallery Hosts hold a vast array of knowledge--about the museum's history, the works on display, the projects staff are working on, upcoming events, and more. They also assist staff with a variety of tasks related to visitor experience, including working on generating front desk literature like self guided tours and scavenger hunts and assisting with the setup, show flow, and teardown of all public and private museum events. 

The Gallery Host team is comprised of 8 to 10 students each year, depending upon how their schedules line up. Students from any major (undergraduate or graduate) are welcome to apply for the Gallery Host role. Within the group, a few students are selected to be Gallery Host leads--they take a leadership role over the team, and coordinate their day-to-day activities with the Team Supervisor, the Assistant Curator of Student Engagement.

 

Meet the Gallery Host Team, 2022 -23

 

A photo of Alexis Belme posing in front of Native American ceramics.

Alexis Belme

Gallery Host Lead

About Alexis: 
I am majoring in social justice and earning a Certificate in Museum Studies. I have lived in 3 countries and 3 states, my favorite was living in Germany for 5 years.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
Living abroad during my childhood, I was exposed to so much art and its relation to different cultures. I am interested in the intersection between social justice and art, and how they can provide silent yet triumphant protests in response to social issues. I feel as though Red April by Sam Gilliam showcases the connection between social justice and art.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
I love giving out prizes to the kids that complete the scavenger hunts. I once gave prizes to a little girl and Ricco, her naked doll, just because the pair were so cute (and she knew not to touch the art).

Rachel Epstein

Gallery Host Lead

About Rachel: 
I am a PhD candidate in the art history department here at the University of Iowa studying Modern and Contemporary art. Outside of work and school, I enjoy running, science fiction, and petting dogs.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
I wanted to complement my years of teaching experience in art history with exposure and insight into the museum and gallery space. The incredible collection and congenial atmosphere here at the Stanley sealed the deal!

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
I love helping some of our younger guests with their scavenger hunts! It’s hard to choose just one instance! Seeing their faces light up as they solve the clues always makes my day.

A black and white photo of Rachel Epstein
A photo of Georgia Corbin

Georgia Corbin

 

About Georgia: 
I’m a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in psychology. Outside of work and school, I spend most of my time with my friends, family, and my dog Norman. I enjoy solving crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading, learning how to play guitar, and watching HGTV.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
Getting paid to sit amongst art sounded like an ideal gig.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
One of my favorite moments working at the Stanley was witnessing a wedding proposal on the steps of the front entrance.

Josie Duccini

 

About Josie: 
My name is Josie. I am a second-year student studying art with an interest in graphic design! Outside of class and working at the museum, I love doing anything creative or crafty, talking about music, reading, and hanging out at my favorite Iowa City coffee shops.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
I took my first art history class last spring and found that I really loved learning about art, so I felt that working at the new art museum would be a great opportunity to learn more and share my love for art with others! Even before seeing the galleries in person, I knew that the Stanley had a collection I was excited about, so I was happy to get the opportunity to share these pieces with others.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
Some of my favorite moments are when people share with me their favorite pieces in the gallery. Connections to art are so special and unique and I love hearing why certain pieces resonate with people! If you see me at the museum, tell me about your favorite artwork/artist, I would love to hear!

A photo of Josie Duccini in front of a lion statue
A photo of Amelia Johnson

Amelia Johnson

 

About Amelia: 
I am a fourth-year student, majoring in oboe performance and art history, with a museum studies certificate. I am from Bay Village, Ohio.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
When my family travels, we always go to museums. I was lucky to grow up close to the Cleveland Museum of Art, and I visited all the time. Going to so many art museums sparked my love for art history, and it felt only natural for me to work at the Stanley.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
I have loved being able to see guests discover art and experience our amazing collection. One of my favorite events was a story time with the Iowa City Public Library. It was amazing to see all the kids so excited about art as they roamed the galleries with their scavenger hunts.

Annelies Knight

 

About Annelies: 
I am an undergraduate majoring in Art History and Theatre Arts, along with a certificate in Museum Studies and a minor in French. I'm currently most interested in the connection between the Italian Renaissance and Northern European art, and fashion history. I like to spend my time running, reading, and sewing.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
I've always loved spending time in art museums and was so excited when I learned that Iowa City's art museum was coming back, I knew that I wanted to be able to spend a lot of time there. I also wanted to have a better idea of how museums work internally, and this job has helped grow that understanding significantly.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
Hands down my favorite moment was during one of the Thursday night shifts when we were sitting behind the welcome desk and suddenly noticed that there was a proposal happening just outside on our front steps, I don't think I'll ever forget that!

A photo of Annelies Knight
A photo of Jessie Meiers

Jessie Meiers

 

About Jessie: 
I am an art history major with a music minor and a museum studies certificate. I’m from Omaha, NE, and a sophomore at Iowa.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
Growing up, my grandmother always made sure we went to our local museum, so I was inspired to be a part of the museum we have here and to get involved with art.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
My favorite moment has been learning more about the collection and being involved with the art here on campus!

Anaka Sanders

 

About Anaka: 
I am a senior at UI double majoring in Journalism and Art History. Along with working at the Stanley, I am an Arts Reporter with The Daily Iowan. I love learning and writing about art, spending time with friends and family, and listening to Taylor Swift!

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
I was inspired to become a Stanley Gallery Host because I’ve loved visiting art museums since I was little. I spent the last year walking to class past the under-construction Stanley with the hopes of one day working there!

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
My favorite moments from my time at the Stanley are those when I get to give out the scavenger hunt prizes. Seeing both young children and adult’s faces light up when they receive their prize for finding all the artwork makes me the happiest!

A photo of Anaka Sanders, posing in front of the Stanley's lobby mural.
A photo of Jack Sorenson, posing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Jack Sorenson

 

About Jack: 
My name is Jack and I'm a third-year English and Creative Writing Major from San Clemente, California. I am a Pisces, my favorite color is green, and my favorite season is summer. In my free time I like to read, run, go hiking, and hang out with my dogs.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
I have always loved museums and I have made many fond memories inside of them. I have always been drawn to art museums in particular, and to me being a Gallery Host means being able to share my passion for art and museums with other people.

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
My favorite moment from my work with the Stanley must be when University President Barbara Wilson visited the museum on my first day. It was great to see how anyone—from a university president to an elementary school student—could come to the Stanley and have a memorable, meaningful experience.

Carter White

 

About Carter: 
Hello! My name is Carter and I am a studio art student here at Iowa. I enjoy renovation projects, reading 10 cent books, thrifting clothing, and sipping on a double espresso while keeping up with Danish fashion.

What inspired you to become a Stanley Gallery Host?:
After setting foot inside the new building and seeing the architecture, the expertly curated collections and the inviting energy of the people who worked in the museum, I knew I had to be part of the team!

Talk about a favorite moment from your work with the Stanley:
There have been so many great interactions at the museum it's hard to pick just one, but I would say I really enjoy seeing people get excited after seeing their favorite pieces after not being able to enjoy them for almost 15 years!

A photo of Carter White

Kate Malkusak

 

 

Lauren Smith