Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to intern at Gallery 66 in New Britain, Connecticut, and the experience has been nothing short of metamorphic. From day one, I was trusted with meaningful tasks that not only contributed to the gallery's daily operations but also allowed me to grow as an emerging art professional.
Early on, I helped establish a system for ambassadors to update their own schedule changes, improving internal coordination. I assisted with connecting local senior centers to support the launch of Gallery 66’s upcoming senior art program. Organizing the supply closet may sound simple, but it helped streamline access to essential materials. I also helped create a materials inventory list and supported administrative processes like setting up tax-exempt accounts for Staples, FedEx, and Amazon; something that seemed complicated at first but taught me how to navigate technical language and documentation.
One of the most surprising takeaways has been how valuable professional networking is. Through calls and emails, I connected with senior centers, updated contact logs, and helped prepare registration forms. I even secured a potential partnership with Hartford Healthcare’s Senior Services division to discuss an Alzheimer’s-focused art initiative. These interactions showed me how much collaboration goes into gallery programming and how relationships can grow into real opportunities.
I have also developed skills in digital organization and design. I recreated essential gallery forms, helped maintain the physical gallery space, and met with a website designer to learn how visual design supports an institution's credibility. I documented notes about the site’s navigation and layout, helping me reflect on ways to improve my own digital presence. Grant research has become a recurring assignment, teaching me not only the technical demands of proposals, such as formatting, eligibility, and narrative clarity. But also, how essential these skills are for both galleries and individual artists like me.
Gallery 66 and Visitor's Center in New Britain
Navigating the nuances of grant applications can be overwhelming, especially with vague or overly specific requirements, but I have learned how to ask the right questions and when to lean on my mentor, Adrian, for clarity. With her guidance, I added a new column to our grant spreadsheet to distinguish between what each grant supports versus what it does not. I have also been exploring grants that apply to individual artists, planting the seeds for a future solo exhibition that I hope to realize.
Beyond administrative work, this internship has made me reflect on what kind of work environment truly fits me. Comparing my time at Gallery 66 to my previous jobs made it clear: I have found the direction I’ve been missing. My time at the gallery has rekindled my motivation to finish my art degree and to pursue a career that aligns with my passions. I now see this internship as my re-entry into the art world, not just as an artist, but as someone invested in curatorial and programmatic work.
Another milestone was helping Adrian refine communications for the gallery’s senior and student art classes. She explained the importance of presentation and professionalism when approaching potential partners. I have learned how vital it is for a gallery to demonstrate legitimacy through clean website content, past success, and clear programming. This helped me understand that visibility and credibility go hand in hand.
New Britain Herald article about Internship at Gallery 66
One of the most fulfilling moments came during a two-hour tour of the Industrial Museum across the street. That visit, followed by a conversation with Adrian about my personal exhibition goals, inspired me to pursue the idea of a pop-up show. During quieter moments at the gallery and within my studio, I have taken time to organize my thoughts, reflect on painting concepts, and refine my workspace. These experiences have made me more productive and more intentional with my personal projects.
Being recognized in Gallery 66’s press article as their first intern was an unexpected but deeply meaningful honor. It reminded me how far I have come. I’ve added this feature to my website, social media accounts and LinkedIn, and I am proud to see my professional profile slowly taking shape.
This past week, I helped run the opening reception for the Proclaimed Freedoms exhibition. I met with several artists, including Eddie Hall, and had insightful conversations about the business side of the art world; discussions I had rarely encountered in an academic setting. The reception reinforced the kind of firsthand learning and mentorship that this internship continues to provide.
I also visited the New Britain Museum and had the privilege of meeting Francis and Lisa, some of the people who work behind the scenes at this American Art Museum. That tour changed everything. Watching Lisa light up about artwork mirrored how I feel when I talk about my own. I realized then that curatorship is what I want to pursue. It clicked. I finally know what I want to do with my art degree.
New Britain of American Art Museum
Of course, not everything has come easily. Technical language in tax documents and grants was frustrating at first. Juggling work between the gallery, being a college student, being a mom and wife, and my unrelated job was draining. And because I am hard-of-hearing, large gatherings can still be overwhelming. However, these challenges pushed me to become more resourceful and confident. I have learned to advocate for myself, ask for what I need, and never be afraid to ask for clarification.
This internship is shaping not only my career path but my identity as an artist and arts professional. It has provided me with the tools, insights, and motivation to move forward; with clarity, confidence, and purpose