Alumni Feature: Katrina Lee
2018- 2022, B.A. Art History & Curatorial Studies, Minor in business, and minor in Design Thinking
I work at a gallery called David Zwirner in New York City as a gallery assistant. We are public facing so we welcome visitors and all shows are free and open. I answer questions, connect clients with sales people, support the sales team, and work closely with the assistants. I started as a sales intern as I finished up my masters program.
"There are so many opportunities within the art world that aren't just in museums or as professors. There are so many niches. Remember that many tools are available to you during your undergrad years. Your learning and education can be applied to different industries and jobs."
Originally, I wanted to be a design major and applied for my Pre BFA and didn't get in. After a study abroad in Jerusalem, I worked on my portfolio, applied again, and still didn't get in. I took some classes from Kenneth Hartvingsen and fell in love with the material and felt excited to learn more. Shortly after, I chose Art History as my major. During my sophomore year, I interned with Professor Hartvingsen at MOA BYU and am so grateful for his mentorship. I worked on projects from Children's illustration which meshed my love for illustration with an art history emphasis. I learned how to research and how to plan for exhibitions.
During my time at BYU, I also interned with the design department and worked closely with the designers to plan placement within the exhibition space. I also worked in the HBLL conservation lab and gained technical skills and conservation practices. I talked with Dr. Swensen about my goals, and he inspired me to apply for a master's program. While an intern with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the director of internships suggested I research Georgetown's master's program. I had wonderful professors there and graduated with my M.A of Art and Museum Studies. While in New York, I interned with at the David Zwirner gallery and accepted a full-time position.
- Organization
- Interpersonal relations and communications
- Bravery
- Effective questioning
- Resilience
- Observation
- Articulation of ideas and concepts
There are so many opportunities within the art world that aren't just in museums or as professors. There are so many niches. Remember that many tools are available to you during your undergrad years. Your learning and education can be applied to different industries and jobs. Don't be afraid of the unknown.
I am working toward my 500 hour yoga certification!