VIEW MORE PROFESSIONAL HISTORY & CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
Current city: Tampa, FL
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry/Metals/Enameling, Kent State University, Kent, OH | May 2014
Diploma of Hispanic Studies, Superior level, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | May 2009
Bachelor of Arts in Art; International Arts minor, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA | May 2008
work EXPERIENCE
Gallery Manager, Florida CraftArt, St. Petersburg, FL | May 2024-present
Lead retail gallery representing over 230 Florida-based artists and year-round exhibition program for national and international artists.
Owner & Director, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | October 2022-present
Conceptualized, own, and operate mission-driven art gallery located in Ybor City’s Kress Contemporary building.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Conceptualized and carried out vision for exhibition space, later pivoting business model to a retail gallery representing 15 regional artists. Generated adaptive operational plans.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Raised $1,920 via GoFundMe to produce community-based exhibition Summer School in partnership with three non-profits and six small businesses to address censorship in Florida. [Learn more]. Partnered with Hillsborough Community College Art Galleries to organize and lead marketing efforts for first annual Ybor Arts Tour.
CURATION: Curated and installed 8 exhibitions representing 35 local, national, and international artists.
RETAIL MANAGEMENT: Recruit consignment and wholesale vendors. Design and fabricate shop displays, merchandise products, and photograph products for online shop. Maintain inventory and manage sales.
MARKETING: Developed branding, produce digital and print marketing materials, and generate social media content and e-newsletters. Built and manage website and online shop.
OPERATIONS: Run all aspects of programming, curation, administration, exhibition design, display fabrication, art handling, marketing, and more, as sole employee.
Host/Designer/Property Manager, Tuckaway Grove Short-Term Rental, Tampa, FL | November 2021-present
Co-own and operate a guest-centered, community-minded short-term rental property with a 3/2 house and 1/1 apartment in collaboration with my partner.
CONSTRUCTION & INTERIOR DESIGN: Fully renovated a 1943 bungalow and detached in-law suite. Designed all interior and exterior spaces, including handmade artwork.
HOSPITALITY: Received over 100 5-star reviews. Create an exceptional guest experience through timely communication, clear signage, local recommendations, unique interior design, a beautifully maintained garden, and an exceptionally clean and well-cared-for property.
Adjunct Professor, School of Art and Art History, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL | August-December 2023
HIGHER EDUCATION: Taught as Instructor of Record for Concepts and Practices I (Fall 2023).
Development Manager, Tempus Projects, Tampa, FL | January 2021-May 2023
Headed fundraising, grant writing, and program management for nonprofit dedicated to nurturing artists through exhibitions, residencies, and events.
FUNDRAISING: Managed successful annual fundraising campaigns including: Big Birthday Fundraiser (2023: $11,779 raised, surpassing $10,000 goal; 2022: $14,308 raised, surpassing $13,000 goal); Year-End Campaign (2022: $3,210 raised, surpassing $3,000 goal; 2021: $10,430 raised, surpassing $10,000 goal); and Join in June member drive (2022: $6,925 raised, surpassing $5,000 goal).
EVENT PLANNING: Co-organized one of the most successful fundraising events in organizational history, a members-only art auction, raising over $7,000. Planned VIP members’ events and public receptions.
DONOR MANAGEMENT & STEWARDSHIP: Maintained database of ≈150 donors. Fostered donor relationships via ongoing written and visual communication, member gifts, and in-person engagement during events, with focused attention on major donors. Met with Director and major donors to share fundraising successes and program updates.
GRANT WRITING: Wrote and won Florida Division of Arts and Culture grants (FY 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25) and Hillsborough County Cultural Development grants (FY 2022-23 and 2023-24), totaling ≈$68,000.
COMMUNICATIONS: Edited and designed 246-page exhibition catalogue documenting first 13 years of programming. Wrote press releases and exhibition copy, ran social media campaigns, and updated website.
ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH: Cooperated with Director, Board, and volunteers to facilitate move into temporary location in 2021, and new, larger facility in 2022-23. Collaborated to develop and execute new programming.
Administrative Coordinator, Crab Devil, Tampa, FL | January-September 2022
Provided administrative and brand support for an interdisciplinary arts collective working to build Tampa’s first permanent immersive arts experience, The Peninsularium.
ADMINISTRATION: Assisted in the development of organizational structure.
MARKETING: Liaised with marketing contractor to support brand voice.
Project Manager, Artspace Tampa Initiative, a project of Tampa Arts Alliance in collaboration with Artspace Projects, Tampa, FL (remote) | December 2020-March 2022
Provided administrative, marketing, and development management for a group of local leaders working to build affordable live/work housing for artists in Tampa, in partnership with Artspace Projects, a national nonprofit leader in the field of affordable creative space development.
EVENT PLANNING: Organized capital fundraising events at Tampa Museum of Art, Tempus Projects, and a large Pre-Development kick-off event with live musical performances and speakers at Symphonic Distribution.
COMMUNITY LIAISING: Attended local arts events to build community relationships and garner project support.
COMMUNICATIONS: Developed and executed marketing plan for Arts Market Study survey that yielded 1,159 respondents and was hailed by Artspace Projects, Inc. as "a new standard for communities across the country." Wrote and designed Concept Paper to garner private and public funding.
TEAM LEADERSHIP: Led sub-committees by chairing meetings, reporting out to all-team meetings, and delegating and tracking committee member tasks.
Assistant Curator of Exhibitions/Preparator, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL | October 2020-June 2021
Supported exhibition program and gallery store for community arts center with 3,000-sq-ft exhibition space and 440-sq-ft retail space.
RETAIL MANAGEMENT: Led a 61% increase in sales in retail shop over previous 5-year average. Managed consignment contracts with over 70 local artists, including acquisition of 13 new artists. Oversaw inventory, turning over outdated shop inventory. Designed displays, rotating by season.
EXHIBITION PRODUCTION: Curated and installed multidisciplinary exhibition Oil + Mud. Supported planning and installation of 20 exhibitions and related special events. Packed and shipped 2D and 3D artwork of all media.
Residency Manager, Rauschenberg Residency, Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Captiva, FL | July 2014-March 2020
Managed the administration and programming of a multidisciplinary, international artist community that supports over 70 artists annually through a series of five-week residencies at the former home and studio of Robert Rauschenberg.
ACCESS & INCLUSION: Conceptualized and designed 21-page Accessibility Guide to communicate accessibility considerations for resident artists with disabilities; guide was shared as best practice by the Artist Communities Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. Participated in extensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainings. Initiated monthly “Learning Lunches” for staff to discuss DEI issues.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Developed the first comprehensive policy and process guide to manage all administrative aspects of the residency and ensure future consistency. Conceptualized and built comprehensive artist orientation website.
RESEARCH & WRITING: Conducted expansive research project on history of residency property, drawing from over 70 sources to author 6,000-word research paper. Authored report on residency’s piloted Arts Administrator Residency program as model for other artists’ communities; report was published on the Artist Communities Alliance blog.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Identified and initiated partnerships with local organizations and individuals to develop collaborative programming. Produced on- and off-site community events for resident artists.
Temporary Assistant Professor, Jewelry/Metals/Enameling Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH | August 2013-May 2014
HIGHER EDUCATION: Taught as Instructor of Record for Introduction to Jewelry/Metals I (Spring 2014) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Jewelry (Fall 2013). Developed curriculum for CAD for Jewelry course.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Jewelry/Metals/Enameling Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH | August 2011-May 2013
HIGHER EDUCATION: Taught as Instructor of Record for Jewelry Concepts and Techniques (Fall 2012) and Introduction to Jewelry/Metals I (Spring 2012 and Spring 2013).
PUBLICATIONS
Paper Alchemy, Metalsmith magazine, Vol. 44 No. 2 | July 2024 [get a copy]
In Good Company, Bay Art Files | April 2024 [read]
Tragedy and Triumph: A Review of Snow in September at Gallery221@HCC, Hillsborough Community College | May 18, 2023 [read]
Immersing Tampa Bay, Bay Art Files | July 17, 2022 [read]
New & Noteworthy, Metalsmith magazine, Vol. 42 No. 1 | March 2022 [get a copy]
Restrung: Contemporary North American Beadsmiths, Metalsmith magazine, Vol. 41 No. 1 | April 2021 [read]
In Conversation with Breana Ferrara, Art Jewelry Forum | November 18, 2019 [read]
Residency Leaders in Residence: A New Model, Alliance of Artists Communities Blog | April 4, 2019 [read]
MFA Thesis: Little Boxes, Kent State University, OhioLINK Electronic Theses & Dissertations Center | May 2014 [read]
GRANTS & AWARDS
Gobioff Foundation Microgrant, Gobioff Foundation | January 2023
City of Fort Myers Arts & Culture Grant, City of Fort Myers | June 2020
Society of North American Goldsmiths Educational Endowment Scholarship, Society of North American Goldsmiths | May 2013
Graduate Student Senate Domestic Travel Grant, Graduate Student Senate, Kent State University | 2012, 2013, 2014
RELATED professional EXPERIENCE
CURATOR:
Summer School, co-curated with Victoria Alvarez, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | July 2023 [view]
Buy Me Flowers & Call Me Pretty, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | May 2023 [view]
Fine Lines, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | April 2023 [view]
Restrung: Contemporary Beadsmiths, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | February 2023 [view]
Note to Self:, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | January 2023 [view]
Late Night Thoughts, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | January 2023 [view]
One and Only, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | November-December 2022 [view]
Close to Home, Parachute Gallery, Tampa, FL | October-November 2022 [view]
Oil + Mud, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL | January-February 2021 [view]
Playing Around Town, Cape Coral Arts Center, Cape Coral, FL | October-November 2020 [view]
Plays Well with Others, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL | September-October 2020 [view]
Synthesis: Integrating the Digital, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2014 [view]
PRESENTER/LECTURER/INTERVIEWEE:
Interview for “Summer School” with Jessica Todd and Victoria Alvarez, Art in Your Ear, WMNF, Tampa, FL | 2023
Debunking the “Starving Artist”: The Business of the Arts, Café con Tampa, Willa’s Restaurant, Tampa, FL | 2023
Interview with Jess Todd, James Thurman YouTube channel, virtual | 2022 [view]
Building a Resilient Creative Career, Professional Practices course, Anderson Turner, Kent State University, virtual | 2021
Building a Resilient Creative Career, Professional Practices course, Anderson Turner, Kent State University, virtual | 2020
Plays Well with Others virtual curator talk, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL | 2020 [view]
Plays Well with Others virtual opening reception and exhibition walk-through, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL | 2020 [view]
Bridging the Gap: Contemporary Craft Practices gallery talk, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN | 2019 [read]
Residency Exchanges online meet-up, Alliance of Artists Communities, online Zoom session | 2019
Embodied Awareness: What Our Facilities Are Really Saying About Us conference session, Alliance of Artists Communities annual conference, Denver, CO | 2017
How to Maintain an Art Practice After Graduation workshop, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2016
Locket Workshop, Cape Coral Arts Studio, Cape Coral, FL | 2016
Artist Residencies lecture, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, GA | 2015
Digital Technology in Jewelry booth, Kent State Maker Faire, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2014
Selling Your Craft Online full-day workshop, Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA | 2013
Etsy Workshop, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2013
Artist Talks on the concept and inspiration for my studio work:
Lee Arts Educators Association, Fort Myers, FL | 2015
Graduate Research Symposium, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2014
Graduate Gathering, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2013
In conjunction with solo exhibition, Kent State University at Stark, Stark, OH | 2013
VOLUNTEER:
Gobioff Foundation Microgrant Review Panel Member, Gobioff Foundation, Tampa, FL | 2023-present
Artspace Tampa Initiative Core Group Member, Tampa, FL | 2022-present
Volunteer, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL | 2024-present
Conference Program Committee Member, Society of North American Goldsmiths, Eugene, OR | 2017-2020
50th Anniversary Committee Member, Society of North American Goldsmiths, Eugene, OR | 2018-2020
Session Review Committee Member, Artist Communities Alliance, annual conference in Minneapolis, MN | 2019
Conference Planning Committee Member, Artist Communities Alliance, annual conference in Philadelphia, PA | 2018
Youth Mentor, Space of Her Own, Alexandria, VA | 2010-2011
JUROR/JUDGE/PANEL MEMBER:
Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Juror/Judge, Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL | 2024
Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival Juror/Judge, Tarpon Springs, FL | 2024
Bonita Springs National Art Festival Judge, Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL | 2020
Bridging the Gap: Contemporary Craft Practices Juror, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN | 2019 [read]
Resident Artist Review Panel Member, Elsewhere, Greensboro, NC | 2019
Tiny Art 2 Exhibition Judge, Cape Coral Arts Studio, Cape Coral, FL | 2019
Bonita Springs National Art Festival Judge, Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL | 2019
Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club’s Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Judge, Sanibel Community House, Sanibel, FL | 2019
Ring of Fire Exhibition Judge, Cape Coral Arts Studio, Cape Coral, FL | 2018
Dream Worlds Exhibition Judge, Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL | 2017
Ghostbird Theatre Company’s 24-Hour Festival Judge, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers, FL | 2017
Macro-Micro Exhibition Judge, Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL | 2015
EXHIBITIONS
Print Mode, Invitational Exhibition, Curator: Michelle Sawyer, The Bricks, Tampa, FL | 2023
Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, Invitational Exhibition, Curator: Tracy Midulla, Tempus Projects, Tampa, FL | 2021
CAST: Art and Objects, Invitational Exhibition, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA | 2018
Quadrennial: Spectacular Buckles from the U.S. and Abroad, Invitational Exhibition, Studio Gallery, Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA | 2018
Quadrennial: Spectacular Buckles from the U.S. and Abroad, Invitational Exhibition, Helen E. Copeland Gallery, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT | 2017
Touched with Fire, Juried Exhibition, Kaviar Forge & Gallery, Louisville, KY | 2016
Halstead Kinetic Design Challenge, Juried Competition, Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, Asheville, NC | Runner Up award | 2016
Material Girls, Invitational Exhibition, Brockway Center for Arts and Technology, Pittsburgh, PA | 2016
Ring of Fire, Members Exhibition, Cape Coral Arts Studio, Cape Coral, FL | Third place award | 2016
Naughty Narratives: Lives Revealed, Juried Exhibition, Art Avenue, Greenville, NC | 2015
Material Matters: Process to Product, Juried Exhibition, Greenville Museum of Art, Greenville, NC | 2015
It’s Hot, It’s Cold, It’s Color, Juried Exhibition, Center for the Arts, Bonita Springs, FL | Fifth place award | 2015
Little Boxes, Solo Exhibition, Painting Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2014
The Digital Hand, Invitational Exhibition, School of Art Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2014
ASM International Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition, ASM International Headquarters, Materials Park, OH | Piece chosen for the Permanent Collection | 2014
Material Matters: Making Connections, Juried Exhibition, Art Avenue, Greenville, NC | 2014
Buckle Up: Belt Buckles Beyond Function, Juried Exhibition, online, Crafthaus | 2013
Home, Solo Exhibition, Main Hall Art Gallery, Kent State University at Stark, Stark, OH | 2013
2013 Graduate Student Exhibition, Juried Exhibition, Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Hudson, OH | 2013
Mythical Genitalia, Juried Exhibition, Gallery 1010, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN | 2013
ASM International Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition, ASM International Headquarters, Materials Park, OH | 2013
World Championship Belt Buckle Competition, Juried Exhibition, online | 2013
Home, Solo Exhibition, Sculpture Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2013
KSU MFA 2013, Invitational Exhibition, School of Art Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2013
Annual Small Works Competition, Juried Exhibition, Downtown Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2012
American Craft Today, Juried Exhibition, The Bascom, Highlands, NC | 2012
6th Annual Intercollegiate Metals Exhibition, Invitational Exhibition, Step Gallery, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ | 2011
Annual Small Works Competition, Juried Exhibition, Downtown Gallery, Kent State University, Kent, OH | 2011
Small Works, Juried Exhibition, The Art League Gallery, Alexandria, VA | 2011
28th Biennial Exhibition of the Creative Crafts Council, Juried Exhibition, Strathmore Mansion, North Bethesda, MD | Second place award in the category of Mixed Media | 2011
All-Media Exhibit, Juried Exhibition, The Art League Gallery, Alexandria, VA | 2011
Remains, Juried Exhibition, The Art League Gallery, Alexandria, VA | 2011
Reclaiming the Souvenir, Solo Exhibition, Patterson Gallery, University Park, PA | 2008
WORKS CITED, REVIEWED OR REPRODUCED
CAST: Art and Objects Made Using Humanity’s Most Transformational Process, Jen Townsend and Renée Zettle-Sterling (co-authors), Schiffer Publishing | 2017
Fabric Printing at Home, Julie Booth (author), Quarry Books | 2014
Humor in Craft, Brigitte Martin (author), Schiffer Publishing | 2012
professional development
RESIDENCY SITE VISITS:
Juxtaposition Arts with Chief Cultural Producer and Founder Roger Cummings, Minneapolis, MN | 2019
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts with resident artists, Gatlinburg, TN | 2019
The Hermitage with Executive Director Bruce Rodgers, Englewood, FL | 2019
Elsewhere with Creative Director Emily Ensminger, Greensboro, NC | 2018
Oolite Arts (formerly ArtCenter/South Florida) with resident artists, Miami, FL | 2018
SPACES – The Village of Arts and Humanities with Residency Manager Lillian Dunn, Philadelphia, PA | 2018
The Clay Studio with Curator of Artistic Programs Jennifer Zwilling, Philadelphia, PA | 2018
Headlands Center for the Arts with Residency Manager Holly Blake, Sausalito, CA | 2017
Joan Mitchell Center with Director Gia Hamilton, New Orleans, LA | 2017
RedLine Contemporary Art Center with Executive Director Louise Martorano, Denver, CO | 2017
Mariposa Development of Denver Housing Authority with Executive Director Jami Duffy, Denver, CO | 2017
Artspace & Artworks Loveland with resident artists, Loveland, CO | 2017
The Dirt Palace with Co-Founder Pippi Zornoza, Providence, RI | 2015
The Steel Yard with Executive Director Howie Sneider, Providence, RI | 2015
TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS ATTENDED:
Pop-Up Like a Professional with April Caldwell, Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa, FL | 2024
Preparing Your Business Plan with Wally Olopade, Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa, FL | 2023
Grow Your Business with Online Marketing with Diane Agudelo, Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa, FL | 2023
How to Sell When You Hate to Sell with Dr. Shane Smith, Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa, FL | 2023
Nonprofit Management & Leadership Graduate-level course, School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL | Grade: A | Fall 2020
Resource Development Graduate-level course, School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL | Grade: A | Fall 2020
Understanding the Misunderstood: The Facts About Mental Illness with Regina Britton, F.I.S.H. of SanCap, Sanibel, FL | 2019
Building the Capacity for Equitable and Inclusive Leadership with Tammy Bormann and Elizabeth Williams, Rauschenberg Residency, Captiva, FL | 2018
How to Be a Better Ally: The Ally Conversation Toolkit with Dr. David Campt, Fort Myers, FL | 2018
Rules of Engagement: Responding to Discrimination and Mental Health Crises with Lisa Hoffman, Rauschenberg Residency, Captiva, FL | 2018
Mental Health First Aid USA with the National Council for Behavioral Health, Fort Myers, FL | 2018
The Art of Archiving with Captiva Island Historical Society, Captiva, FL | 2017
Cultural Diversity, Sensitivity and Awareness with Myra Walters, Rauschenberg Residency, Captiva, FL | 2016
Grantmakers in the Arts webinars: After the Story, Comes the Critique (2019), Beyond the Grant (2019)
Alliance of Artists Communities online meet-ups: Team Management Software (2019), All Things Tech (2019), Managing Inboxes + Task Lists (2019), Your NEA Art Works Application (2019), Solitary + Remote Residencies (2018), Social Media for Residencies (2018), Technology on the Cheap (2018), New Perspectives on Accessibility (2017), Data Management for Residencies (2017)
Professional Development Seminar: The Ins and Outs of Shipping with Leila Hamdan, Kim Cridler, and Harriete Estel Berman, Society of North American Goldsmiths conference, Phoenix, AZ | 2012
CONFERENCES ATTENDED:
Artist Communities Alliance (formerly Alliance of Artists Communities) annual conferences:
2019: Saint Paul, MN | Session Review Committee member
2018: Philadelphia, PA | Conference Planning Committee member
2017: Denver, CO | Session presenter
2016: Portland, OR
2015: Providence, RI
Society of North American Goldsmiths annual conferences:
2024: San Diego, CA
2019: Chicago, IL | Conference Program Committee and 50th Anniversary Committee member
2018: Portland, OR | Conference Program Committee member
2017: New Orleans, LA
2015: Boston, MA
2013: Toronto, Canada
2012: Phoenix, AZ
2009: Philadelphia, PA
2008: Savannah, GA
2007: Memphis, TN