Author: Morgaine Stach
Compared to larger institutions, where roles are more specialized, local nonprofits can offer a more holistic approach to working with art. To say that I have learned a lot from my time at one would be an understatement.
My first day as an intern for Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP) was the day of artwork pickup for members who participated in the organization’s Brooklyn x Pittsburgh: The Industry of Art exhibition at Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition. Immediately, I was able to interact with artists and get a handle on how AAP operated. With such a small team and much to do, it soon became clear that there would be a wide variety of opportunities to explore.
Since then, I have assisted in several operations. One of the first responsibilities I was able to participate in was the “Returns to Art” series on AAP’s Instagram. Working with Communications Coordinator Isaac Pleta, we filmed at several local organizations to showcase Pittsburgh’s vibrant art community and see what art events are currently going on in the city. I was lucky enough to assist in filming three videos and to write and star in one where we explored an exhibit at Mattress Factory.
Alongside my contributions to the ongoing AAP operations, I also undertook my own independent project as an intern. My driving interest for this was to better understand the inner workings of an artists’ organization. Working under Executive Director Madeline Gent, I was tasked with organizing spreadsheets containing sales data from over the years. From there, I was to use that data and pull statistics to make a document that would help members determine best practices for selling their work. I also developed questions for artists from this data, with the plan to survey members and use their responses to aid others. Additionally, I compiled sales data in preparation for AAP’s biggest sale.
This year, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh celebrated 115 years in operation, and for the past few years, they have commemorated these milestones with an annual sale. For the 115 x 115 show, I supported the handling, installation, packaging, and sales of artworks in the exhibition. From start to finish, it was a massive undertaking but incredibly rewarding. As both an artist and someone aspiring to be involved in exhibition design, it was very informative to learn the process of layout and installation and to see how everything comes together and unfolds.
As my time at AAP comes to a close, I feel very fortunate to have worked with such an intimate, passionate team. The experience of working in so many roles has shifted my understanding of what museum work can be entirely, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.