Fine Arts Career Services

This weekend and next weekend we are participating in one of Austin Texas largest community art festivals. East Austin Studio Tour is relatively new to Austin but has quickly proven in the past eight years its potential to unite the artistic community of Austin. This year the tour also features 154 galleries, 20 exhibition spaces, 49 “Happenings,” and 30 programs taking place throughout the nine days.

Last week Harold and I began preparing as early as possible for the opening weekend. After prepping the walls on Wednesday of last week I was pleasantly surprised when two new interns volunteered to help hang the show. On Friday I gave them a crash course in the basic approach to hanging a gallery show and we proceeded to hang over half the show in little under four hours. It is amazing how proficient production can be with more than one set of hands. I returned on Friday night to the gallery to help with the logistics of organizing a tent outside the gallery where the gallery’s permanent collection and a few other artists set up.

Opening day was beautiful. The weather was nice and we were as prepared as possible for the days to come. The tent held the art display very nicely and on one side we arranged to serve beer, soda and snacks to guest. DiverseArts New East Arts Gallery received between 200- 300 people on Saturday alone. I would conservatively estimate at least one thousand to two thousand people were on the streets of east Austin for the opening weekend of E.A.S.T. (November 14^th and 15^th, 2009). The galleries, happenings and studios are easily accessible thanks to Big Media’s visually packed E.A.S.T. publications featuring maps, images and information. The gallery sold two paintings from the featured show of Amy Lindsay-Joynt and other prints, photographs and small sculptures from previous exhibitions. With the first weekend behind us we look forward to the hanging of David Zvanut’s exhibition and one more weekend of adventure.

This past week I had a very unique experience as a result of my internship at DiverseArts. I attended the Liberal Arts Career and Internship Fair this past Wednesday as a recruiter for this unique non-profit organization. Harold and myself interviewed anywhere from a hundred to one hundred and fifty bright young individuals to fill internship positions for the next Spring and Summer semesters. As a soon to be graduate of the University of Texas it is interesting to be on the other side of the career table. Interviews are constructed to find the best fit for each position. Questions aim to determine logistic information such as the area of study in which students are most proficient, academic standings and how individuals might best serve the organization. After a successful campaign at the career fair, the business of sorting through all the resumes and emails received is delegated to me. I have initiated a system of filing to organize the responses from potential candidates. Skill that set an individual apart from the crowd includes professional conduct, organization, responsibility and the ability to promote your abilities. When a sea of resumes confronts employers, determination may be as important as experience. An essential key to landing advantageous vocational positions is following up. Seven applications have been submitted out of a hundred interviewees. Candidates stand out not only because of their accomplishments but because they have contacted us by email and have expressed continued interest. I believe this experience better prepares my own endeavors to fill job positions and proactively react during interviews and occupational assessments exercises. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing (Abraham Lincoln).”

In addition to planning for the future, DiverseArts is also addressing events and  programming to come in the remainder of the 2009 Fall season. I am currently initiating the final preparations for E.A.S.T. (East Austin Studio Tour), to take place the weekends of November 14^th – 15^th and 21^st - 22^nd. DiverseArts Culture Works will be hosting an artist market at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard and a new gallery show at New East Arts Gallery. There is a lot of development to be carried out in administrative areas. The non-profit is gearing up for the launch of a new and improved annual membership fundraiser and a reelection of the members of the board. I plan to attend a meeting this Thursday so I will be familiar with their conduct and the overall mission that drives this organization’s efforts.