'So Transformative'
Ohio Wesleyan Student Explores Museum Career in New York Arts Program
Name: Clara Wood '25
Hometown: Kent, Ohio
Majors: Art History and Business Administration (Marketing Concentration)
OWU Connection Experience: New York Arts Program
Wood spent spring semester in the Big Apple, taking classes and completing internships through the Ohio Wesleyan-administered New York Arts Program (NYAP). She worked as a development intern at The International Studio and Curatorial Program, primarily writing grants and conducting prospect research, and as an exhibit intern at the Museum of Arts and Design, primarily researching objects and helping with exhibition preparation and collections management.
NYAP was one of the primary reasons I chose to go to OWU because I did not see any other school that I applied to supporting art majors in such a substantial way.
'So Transformative'
"NYAP was one of the primary reasons I chose to go to OWU because I did not see any other school that I applied to supporting art majors in such a substantial way. It was really amazing to finally live out the reason that I chose to come to school, and to have it be so transformative for my personal growth and career confidence."
My Favorite Moments
"One of my favorite overall moments was getting to know all of my classmates from across the country and growing really strong friendships with them all as we experienced the city together.
"One of my favorite internship experiences was getting to help install and de-install shows at the Museum of Arts and Design. It is really special to be able to handle objects that are usually behind glass that most people would never be able to touch."
Lessons Learned
"Because my internships explored different aspects of museum management, I was able to narrow down what I want to pursue in my career. I had been really conflicted between the business side of things and the more curatorial side, but completing these two internships at the same time really helped me clarify what I like to do."
My NYAP Mentor
"Skip Brea was an amazing mentor to me and all my classmates in the program, and was extremely helpful in finding internship opportunities, and guiding us through the program as a whole." (Brea is a new media/interdisciplinary artist as well as an Art and Art History faculty member and Studio Residency Program director for the New York Arts Program.)
My Campus Involvements
"Fine Arts Student Board, Campus Programming Board, Career Connection Ambassador."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
"The New York Arts Program was a huge draw for me, as was the entire OWU Connection program, which has also been my favorite part of my education at OWU."
My Plans After Graduation
"Grad school for Arts Administration or start working in the arts!"