Josie Duccini
Gallery Host since August 2022; Gallery Host Lead since March 2024
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
My wonderful co-workers! When I started this job three years ago, I didn’t have many close connections with people who were interested in art and felt very unsure about pursuing a BFA, but I now have a really strong community of people around me who are excited about being creatively engaged. I am constantly inspired and impressed by how talented and smart my colleagues are!
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
Because of this job, I chose to complete a certificate in museum studies. My time working at the Stanley has given me lots of real-world experience that I can tie into my in-class discussions. As a graphic design major, I have been excited to have a few opportunities to complete design work for the museum. My favorite project has been designing the newest Stanley Student Challenge prize, a custom Nalgene water bottle. Simply working in an art museum keeps me thinking creatively all the time and allows me to be engaged with art outside of my classes.
Where are you headed next?
I will always be doing something creative and I will always be visiting art museums. Beyond that, I can’t say for sure!
What will you miss most about Iowa?
I have loved living in Iowa City. I have felt very at home here and am sad to leave all of my favorite art spaces, parks, and coffee shops. I will miss my roommate Abbie, the museum programs intern at the Stanley, and living across the street from campus engagement coordinator and fellow gallery host lead, Annelies. The Stanley has been a big part of the community I have built here.
Any other reflections/ thoughts about working here?
I feel so lucky to have had this job for a majority of my college career and being a gallery host changed my college experience for the better. For me, this job has never been about just showing up and going through the motions – I have gotten to take on a leadership role, develop and design a self-guided tour, and work on other extra projects throughout my time here that have helped me engage with the Stanley beyond my gallery host role. I have felt compelled to be so involved because of how much I enjoy spending time at the museum. I never meet students who are as passionate and excited about their student job as the people on the gallery host team and I feel proud of the positive, supportive culture we have created.
Annabel Hendrickson
Gallery Host since August 2023
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
It was always great to hear visitors talk about how excited they were about seeing certain pieces of art, especially with lots of people sharing their personal connections to the Haring exhibit this year.
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
I’ve been working towards a museum studies certificate, so working at the Stanley was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a museum setting. Also, working with the public is a skill that can come in handy no matter what job I end up in.
Where are you headed next?
I’m starting a master’s program in Anthropology at the University of Nebraska Lincoln this fall, with a goal of becoming an archaeologist.
What will you miss most about Iowa?
I’ll miss the fall season at Iowa the most – there’s always a lot of cool events going on around town, and the campus gets so pretty when the leaves start to change colors.
Any other reflections/ thoughts about working here?
The Stanley has a great working environment with awesome coworkers. I’ll miss this job!
Annelies Knight
Gallery Host since August 2022; Gallery Host Lead since August 2024
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
I've loved working with such a great group of people! This goes for both the gallery host team (who are some of the coolest, nicest, funniest people I now know), and the full-time staff who have shown me so much about the different aspects of museum work.
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
As an art history and museum studies student, I couldn't ask for a better job! This job has allowed me to learn so much about how museums work and has introduced me to the L&E side of museum work, which I had no previous experience with.
Where are you headed next?
I will be moving to Cleveland (so soon! Terrifying!) to pursue my masters in Art History and Museum Studies at Case Western Reserve University and intern at the Cleveland Museum of Art!
What will you miss most about Iowa?
Beyond my friends and coworkers (who I will of course miss most), I will miss Bread Garden, where I spend entirely too much time and money.
Any other reflections/ thoughts about working here?
Being here since the opening weekend, I've been able to see the Museum grow, change, and create communities, which has been such an amazing experience! While I'm sad to leave after all this time, I'm excited to come back and see how things have changed!
Faith McPhillips
Gallery Host since August 2024
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
My favorite part of working at the Stanley was the strong sense of community among the staff. Everyone brought such positive energy and genuine support to the team, which made it an incredibly welcoming and encouraging environment to be a part of.
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
During my time at the Stanley, I had the opportunity to assist with community events like School’s Out at the Stanley and Stanley Creates, both of which included art-making activities. As an art educator this helped give me more exposure to teaching in different settings and working with the community to make art.
Where are you headed next?
This August, I will be starting a new teaching position as a K-12 art teacher for Riverside Community School District located in Western Iowa.
What will you miss most about Iowa?
I’ll definitely miss my classmates, coworkers, and all the memorable experiences we've shared, whether it was teaching together, coffee shop meetups, or playing recreational sports. The sense of connection and community here is something I’ll always value.
Jessie Meiers
Gallery Host since November 2022
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
My favorite part of working at the Stanley was how easy it was to work and be a student, as well as the community we established. I met some of my best friends in college through my role as a gallery host! There are also great perks, like staff lunches, fun prizes, and more!
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
I studied art history and got my certificate in museum studies, which was complemented by my work at the Stanley. I went into the art history major thinking I would be interested in provenance research, and through my position here and more, I found I was more drawn to working in museum education.
Where are you headed next?
Next, I am headed to Omaha, Nebraska to resume my part-time position as an Education Facilitator at the Durham Museum. I will teach summer camp to kindergarten-2nd grade students and continue to assist in developing curriculum for workshops and camps. I will look for full-time opportunities during this time as well.
What will you miss most about Iowa?
I will miss the beautiful fall colors, my favorite professors, my supervisor, Allie, and of course, my friends.
Any other reflections/ thoughts about working here?
It has been cool to see the museum grow and change and being a part of that experience definitely gave me a unique perspective I will share with my future jobs. I learned so much about myself and will forever be thankful for the support I received during my time here.
Max Sorenson
Gallery Host since May 2024; Gallery Host Lead since April 2025
What was your favorite part of working at the Stanley?
Working at the Stanley has been a top highlight of my time at Iowa. My favorite part of being a Gallery Host is the strong sense of community we have as a team. Everybody is so incredibly nice and welcoming, and our collaboration together is genuine and special.
How did working at the Stanley complement your studies/ career plan?
As someone pursuing a career in social work, it may seem like a pivot to be working in an art museum. But, in reality, this job has been great in developing my skills working with the public and coordinating community-oriented events. Additionally, the staff have been incredible role models in creating a positive and enthusiastic work environment, which is something I absolutely see carrying on into my career.
Where are you headed next?
While I'm graduating with my BA in Psychology and Sociology and a certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives, my academic career is not quite over yet. I'll be continuing my studies as a graduate student and obtaining my Master's in Social Work here at Iowa over the next two years, during which I will keep on working at the Stanley!
Any other reflections/ thoughts about working here?
I'm so glad I've had this opportunity to meet and work with wonderful people in the year I've been at the museum. Engaging with the community and the diverse perspectives I've encountered has brought me so much joy and optimism. I truly can't imagine a better place to spend my time at the university, and I look forward to my future working at the Stanley and with future generations of students!!!