Art Historian with Museum Experience Seeks Job in Collection Management

[AllCDill]

Headline: Art Historian with Museum Experience Seeks Job in Collection Management
Name: Allison C. Dilliard
Email Address: allcdill@hotmail.com
Current Location: Tennessee

Preferred Job Category: Registrar/Collections Manager

Personal Statement:
From my extensive graduate and undergraduate coursework as well as internships in art history and in museum studies, I have obtained an understanding and appreciation for all art forms and all types of museums. Through working in collection management, I hope to achieve my career goals of caring for and maintaining objects of cultural importance for the benefit of the public as well as creating exhibits that provide the maximum amount of viewer interaction not only with the objects but with other visitors by way of discussion and hands-on activities. I have well-developed research and writing skills as well as experience with numerous museum practices, which include the handling and maintenance of collection objects, the creation of exhibits and educational programs, public relations, and community outreach. In addition to these strengths and varied experiences, I have exceptional organizational skills, a driven and energetic work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, which are needed to thrive in the innovative museum environment.

Education:
[2008-2010] University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
Master of Arts Degree: General Art History
Graduate Certificate: Museum Studies, GPA 3.95

[2006-2007] University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Art History, GPA 4.0

[2004-2006] University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee
Transferred to the University of Memphis.

[2000-2004] Westview High School, Martin, Tennessee
Honor Student, High School Diploma, GPA 4.2

Professional Experience:
[2008-2009] Student Curator/Graduate Assistant, Visual Resource Center for Art Department, University of Memphis
Served as Student Curator for the Visual Resource Center. Assisted professors in creating the preliminary configuration and policy manual for the Embark Database Project. Served as a student member on the Embark Committee in which faculty would discuss VRC digitization policies and create improved methods of policy implementation. Responsible for the care and digitization of the departmental slide collection in addition to setting general procedural policies for the VRC. Assisted professors with audio visual equipment along with any other technological, research, or teaching needs. Managed numerous projects simultaneously. Oversaw and trained other graduate assistants working in the VRC as well as served as the liaison between the faculty/staff and VRC graduate assistants.

[Summer 2008] Internship at the National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, Tennessee
Worked with the registrar/collections manager in organizing the permanent collection, specifically with proper packing and storage, as well as in accessioning and deaccessioning permanent collection objects. Created an educational exhibit based on the museum’s permanent collection pieces that would assist visitors in understanding the various aspects of metalsmithing; this exhibit included written panels with photographs as well as touchable objects from the educational collection. Photographed permanent collection objects and recorded newly accessioned objects into the museum’s database. Assisted in conditioning and installing two temporary exhibits as well as provided input on the layout of the exhibits. Created docent interpretation scripts for two temporary exhibits. Researched each of the permanent collection pieces on display in order to expand their information labels; this included interviewing artists. Organized the periodical collection in the museum’s library. Contacted various media representatives in order to maintain and expand the museum’s advertising both locally and nationally.

[Summer 2009] Internship at the Pink Palace Museum, Memphis, Tennessee
Worked with the Education Department. Created lesson plans for the paleo-biology exhibits that included discussion as well as hands-on activities that adhered to the Tennessee Grade Level Expectations for kindergarten through eighth grade. Also led an activity station for students at several Discovery Days.

[Summer 2009] Student Worker, General Art History Library, University of Memphis
Began the new General Art History Library. Responsible for the care of the departmental book collection. Created the electronic card catalog database, designed the temporary layout of bookshelves and subject areas, and acquired call numbers. Assisted in selecting new acquisitions. Assisted in creating library policies and procedures.

[2004-2006] Student Worker, Reference Department UT Martin Paul Meek Library
Responsible for the care and maintenance of the reference books and current/bound periodicals collection. Helped students, faculty/staff, and the general public with research as well as provided assistance in using various databases, such as JSTOR, Infotrac, and Proquest. Prepared periodicals to be bound as well as reshelved circulating and non-circulating materials. Provided general information support and customer service.

Applicable Skills:
Reading knowledge of French.
Knowledge and experience with the following: FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Office Suite; Library Databases, such as Infotrac, Proquest, JSTOR, BHA, EBSCO; Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Reader; PastPerfect; Embark; Document and Slide Scanners; Digital and Slide Projectors

Other:
American Association of Museums member since 2008.
Southeastern College Art Conference member since 2009.
Historians of Netherlandish Art member since 2010.

University of Memphis, Graduate
Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key Honor Societies.

University of Memphis, Undergraduate
Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key Honor Societies.

UT Martin, Undergraduate
Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Societies.

Westview High School
Member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society.