Diverse training and interests make for a well rounded curator

[ashleymhop]

Headline: Diverse training and interests make for a well rounded curator
Name: Ashley Hopkins-Benton
Email Address: ashleymhop@yahoo.com
Current Location: Hudson, NY, USA

Preferred Job Category: Curator

Personal Statement:
I am interested in curatorial, collections management, and education positions. With my background in art studio and art history, I am most interested in art museums, and college/university galleries or museums. I also have a long history in historic houses, and enjoy the variety of experience they offer.

Education:
Cooperstown Graduate Program, State University of New York at Oneonta
MA, History Museum Studies, 2008
Thesis: “Henry DiSpirito: The Man Who Could See Inside of Rocks,” analysis of the sculpture, background, and teaching career of artist Henry DiSpirito.

State University of New York at Potsdam
BA, Art Studio/Art Education, 2006
Minors: Museum Studies, Art History

Professional Experience:
CLERMONT STATE HISTORIC SITE, Germantown, NY
Curator of Collections, June 2008 – Present
• Conducted archival research for articles, exhibitions, and research requests
• Acted as an on-site liaison for collections management staff and conservators at Peebles Island State Resource Center
• Initiated a major restoration project, and managed movement of collections
• Contributed innovative ideas to the interpretation team for re-development of the house tour
• Served on a team to develop and implement educational and fundraising events
• Designed and edited site publications, including the site newsletter
• Initiated a presence for the museum on a variety of social media sites
•Supervised and directed volunteers working in the museum


FENIMORE ART MUSEUM, Cooperstown, NY
Public Programs and Events Assistant, January 2008 – May 2008
•Assisted with the development of an artist application packet for an upcoming art event
•Contacted local arts organizations to distribute artist packets and inform artists about the event

Curatorial Intern, September 2007 – May 2008
•Identified artworks for loan and researched sculptors working in Rome for the forthcoming exhibition “America’s Rome”
•Researched the portrait busts of John Henri Isaac Browere, compiled an information packet for a
future traveling exhibit, and wrote the labels for the exhibit
•Researched the collections for an exhibit on animals of NYS, based on the Empire State Carousel


THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, New York, NY
Curatorial Intern, Summer 2007
•Researched a 17th century family based on an original will for a forthcoming exhibit
•Used a computer database to compile the findings of a research team
•Edited label copy for objects in open storage


OLANA STATE HISTORIC SITE, Hudson, NY
Curatorial Intern, Winter 2006, Summer 2005
• Packed and inventoried historical collections in preparation for a major restoration project
• Checked and cross-referenced paperwork related to a major collections move
• Researched and wrote a section of the historic furnishings report, researched and reported on a collection of prints
• Assisted with collections management transfer documentation
• Oversaw researchers’ use of collections materials, supervised other interns

Education Department Intern, Summer 2004
• Designed elementary outreach curriculum
• Conducted outreach programs for public schools
• Provided interpretive tours

Tour Guide, Summers 2001, 2003, and 2006
• Studied the history, furnishings, architecture, and landscape, and developed a tour for the public, school groups, and other groups as assigned
• Developed and implemented children’s crafts programs


CHESTERWOOD NATIONAL TRUST HISTORIC SITE, Stockbridge, MA
Curatorial Intern, Summer 2006
• Assisted in administration of the Contemporary Sculpture Show
• Developed a finding aid for a segment of the photographic collection
• Conducted fieldwork research of a collection of photographs


THE LIVINGSTON HISTORY BARN, Livingston, NY
Collections Manager (Volunteer), Winter 2006 – Present
• Accessioned and cataloged collections, researched strategic plan


THE FARMERS’ MUSEUM, Cooperstown, NY
Furnishing Plan Research Assistant, Fall 2006
• Researched and wrote about objects listed in the probate inventory of an early 19th Century house


MALONE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, Malone, NY
Student Teacher, Spring 2006
•Wrote and implemented instructional units within the New York State art curriculum at the elementary, middle, and high school levels


THE WEAVER MUSEUM, SUNY Potsdam, Potsdam, NY
Student Curator, Spring 2005
• Researched, wrote, designed, and installed a section of the exhibit, “Living Art: Cross-Cultural Visions”


Consulting:
THE OLANA PARTNERSHIP, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
Education Consultant, Winter 2008
• Researched and wrote family exploration guides focusing on art, architecture, and landscape


GREENE COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS, Catskill, NY
Guest Curator, “Keeping that Wilder Image Bright, Barry Hopkins Remembered,” Fall 2007
•Communicated with potential lenders, choose artworks, and managed loan paperwork
•Wrote labels, text panel, and sections of the promotional materials
•Installed artworks and labels in the exhibit space

Applicable Skills:
Basic French

Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, iMovie, Garage Band
• Social Media: Blogger, Facebook, Twitter
• Museum Databases: Past Perfect, TMS

Digital and Film Photography and Processing

Other:
Publications:
“Richard Varick,” Catalogue entry for forthcoming publication from the New-York Historical Society, expected publication date summer 2009.

“Technology and Beauty: The North River Steam-Boat in Art,” Columbia County History and Heritage, Vol 8, No. 1, Spring 2009.

“The Empire State Carousel as New York State History,” Curriculum plan for the New York State Historical Association Website, Spring 2007, The Farmers' Museum - Classroom Resources - Lesson Plans - The Empire State Carousel As New York State History

“20th Century Farming at Olana,” The Olana Crayon, Vol XXXV 221, Fall/Winter 2005, p 5.

“The Ancient City of Petra,” The Collegiate Anthropologist, Vol XXVII, Number 1, Fall 2005, pp. 2-6.



Professional Organizations: American Association of Museums, The Greene County Council on the Arts, The Greene County Historical Society, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Upstate History Alliance