Alumni Feature: Emily Larsen
I am Director and Head Curator at Springville Museum of Art. I oversee the Museum's strategic vision, mission, and operations and lead a talented team of museum professionals to fulfill the Museum's mission of "fostering beauty and contemplation through life-affirming art and experience." As an institution we create community, support Utah artists, and serve Utah's students through our exhibitions and programs.
I've been lucky in the timing and opportunities in my career. At BYU I gained as much experience as I could interning and volunteering at Springville Museum and other museums, working at the MOA as a student educator, doing extra projects with professors, presenting my research at conferences, and participating in the Art History Association. I was an art history nerd and soaked up every opportunity BYU gave me! After school, I tried to say yes to opportunities and collaborations and was open and curious about many career paths in the arts and humanities. As I look back at my career I think my willingness to try new things and teach myself new skills, and my choice to follow the momentum in my career have paid incredible dividends. My first full-time job at the Springville Museum of Art was as the registrar, and then I became Head of Exhibitions, then Associate Director, before becoming Director. I finished my masters degree at the University of Utah while I worked at the museum. When I graduated BYU I didn't plan on becoming an expert in Utah Art History and the practices of community-centered art museums, but following that path as it unfolded has served me well and been very exciting!
"Building and maintaining relationships will serve you well during your career. Don't think of your fellow students as competitors but collaborators. A higher tide lifts all the boats"
At BYU I learned how to research, write, and think critically. I learned how to problem solve. I use these skills everyday at the Museum.
For students I think there is power in collaboration! Building and maintaining relationships will serve you well during your career. Don't think of your fellow students as competitors but collaborators. A higher tide lifts all the boats. Don't be afraid to say yes to scary opportunities- be proactive and learn as you go. Make your own magic. If you want to be a curator and no one has invited you to curate a show find a space and invite artists and be a curator! You don't need anyone's permission to start curating, writing, etc. Start doing the work you want to do and the institutional jobs and support will often follow.
I make weird mixed media collages in my spare time.