Curatorial Internship — Southern Utah Museum of Art

As part of my art history degree, I completed a curatorial internship at the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), where I worked under the guidance of Dr. Becky Bloom. This experience allowed me to gain insight into the curatorial side of museum work. Over the course of the internship, I researched over 400 rock posters in SUMA’s permanent collection and developed a focused online exhibit centered on the lighting collective Little Princess 109 and their influence on the visual culture of the Fillmore West.

Through this project, I strengthened my research skills by working with a wide range of sources, including traditional publications, archival materials, and unconventional sources such as artist interviews and community-run platforms. I also developed curatorial skills by learning how to refine a broad research topic into a cohesive exhibition, ultimately selecting a smaller group of works to analyze in greater depth. Working closely with Dr. Bloom helped me better understand that curation extends far beyond selecting objects—it involves storytelling, interpretation, and thoughtful audience engagement.

This experience not only expanded my understanding of museum work but also challenged me to think more critically about how exhibitions are constructed and communicated. While exploring whether curatorial work is a path I want to pursue, I gained a deeper appreciation for the intentionality behind exhibitions and the collaborative nature of museum practice.

This project reflects my interest in museum work and my desire to engage with art in ways that are both analytical and accessible.