Amelia Enskat 

Gallery Host since August 2024; Gallery Host Lead since April 2025

"I enjoyed so many aspects of my time at the Stanley. I loved being close to the art and learning about so many exhibitions. I also loved working with many staff members on projects, including completing my Museum Studies internship with Kimberly Datchuk. I've learned so much during my time at the Stanley that will stay with me throughout my professional career. Working at the Stanley has gone hand in hand with my future goals; I've always been passionate about museums, and I plan to continue to work in them. Thank you to all the staff at the Stanley, especially my amazing boss, Allie Tokarski, and all my fellow gallery hosts."

Shaun Mallonga 

Gallery Host since June 2024; Gallery Host Lead since April 2025

"My favourite part of working at the Stanley has to be working the event shifts at the front desk. These shifts are always fun and exciting, and it’s great to see different groups of people bring life to our communal space and visit our amazing collection.

The Stanley Museum has provided me with many opportunities to develop my professional practice as a visual artist. I’ve been able to hear from and meet with various contemporary artists, curators and art critics through the Stanley’s vibrant lecture series.

In the summer of 2024, I was able to work with Jiha Moon to help install her expansive mural, One An Other. This was a significantly fruitful and inspiring experience, as I was able to build connections and broaden my community while collaborating on a public art project organized by the Stanley Museum. From working with Jiha and our team, I received valuable insight on how to navigate the art world as an aspiring studio artist. I learned a lot from the experience, and I wrote a journal entry for the Stanley Student Blog reflecting on that wonderful time.

I am currently headed back to my hometown in Vancouver, BC. I am excited to take a brief period of rest and relaxation while catching up with family and friends. Afterwards, I'll be looking at working academic jobs in either Canada or the US.

I will miss the kind, generous and creative people here in Iowa. The summers here have been so peaceful, and it was such a privilege to work at the Stanley Museum and work in my spacious ceramics studio all in the same day. I’ll miss the awesome thrift finds here and experiencing the Iowa State Fair. My first demo derby was breathtaking!

I am incredibly thankful for my grad cohort, friends and chosen family I’ve made during my degree. As I graduate from my MFA degree, I am elated to know that I have a cherished community awaiting and working away here in the Midwest."

Lauren Smith

Gallery Host since November 2022