Buckham Fine Arts Project launched an internship program for University of Michigan-Flint students in December 2020. BFAP will provide valuable hands-on experience in small non-profit administration and gallery practices. Gallery interns are liaisons with the public, providing information on the presented exhibitions and artists. Interns will also gain art handling, exhibition installation, and space maintenance experience. Additionally, they may assist with clerical work including research, data entry, and mailings. The first internship started with UM-Flint January 2021 semester.
Casey DeMoss, Winter 2023 intern shared about her experience working with BFAP:
"My time interning at Buckham Gallery was immensely important in furthering my knowledge and practical skills within the Art and Art history field. Gaining experience in handling, packing, and hanging contemporary works, as well as gaining a new understanding of the inner workings of a gallery. Following the art, artists and gallery professionals as they create new and interesting exhibitions for the community.
Becoming a new face in the gallery allowed me to become familiar with the local artists, collectors, and friendly folks who make up the Buckham Gallery community. Meeting these people, and understanding the symbiotic relationship that exists between the gallery and its patrons was an invaluable experience to me, and is difficult to understand without witnessing first hand. I will take the lessons and experiences that I have gained from this internship to better understand the operation, function and importance of Art Institutions, Galleries, and community spaces like Buckham Gallery. "
Alisa Maloney, a double major of Communication and Art History had this to say about her experience with the BFAP Internship Program,
"..The Buckham Gallery Internship was a very rewarding experience creatively and professionally. At Buckham Gallery, I was able to participate in correct art handling, shipping, packaging, hanging, and framing artwork in the gallery with direction from Michele, through well-thought out hands-on learning experiences. I really enjoyed the care and effort made in the curation of the exhibits. The internship was my first experience in the art of curation...
The Buckham Gallery is unique in its mission to engage with the community and bring an appreciation of Fine Art through contemporary art exhibits. The exhibits changing every four to five weeks offered many unique opportunities to participate in the dynamics of the installations as well as some meeting some artists and enjoying conversations Michele hosted with the artists. I found the opportunity for connections with artists and Buckham Gallery supporters beneficial as well.
Many new aspects of gallery operations were introduced to me through the immersive experience, such as Michele’s role and the curation of the exhibits. Each piece of art is selected and thoughtfully and professionally hung and cared for. The gallery is not a retail establishment, but more closely reflects a working museum and the mission to reach the community with the arts is always the center focus. I whole-heartedly recommend an internship with the Buckham Gallery for students interested in non-profit organizations, community engagement, art history, art or communications. The internship is not just a front-desk filler or phone answerer, you will get opportunity to participate in many activities not found in a classroom or textbook."
The application process is now open for Summer 2023.
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Winter 2023 intern, Casey DeMoss, installing the inaugural B.Y.O.C. fundraiser with Executive Director Michele Leclaire
Winter 2021 intern Courtney Hosler installing "Adrian:Lies," by Jim Arendt.
Winter 2022 intern Mariah Tolston preparing a French cleat for hanging with Executive Director Michele Leclaire.
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Winter 2022 interns Mariah Tolston and Neil Kagerer ready to greet guests at our Late Winter Closing Reception
Winter 2022 intern Neil Kagerer installing Morgan Craig's February 2022 exhibition -"Dialectics and the Decommodified: The Spectre of Capital"
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