PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Freelance Editorial Projects, Magazine Writing, PR Services, and Art Consulting, 2015-present
- Founder of Art Independent, a fine-art company offering freelance projects and consulting services
- Freelance writer, editor, and copy editor
- Author of monthly features and columns for fine art and design publications; artist biographies and statements; press releases and PR services for artists, galleries, and art organizations; and book editing and copy editing
- Advise artists and organizations in marketing, business, and creative decisions related to growing their artwork and brands
- Educational guest speaker at academies, art fairs, and conferences
American Masters Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, New York City
Project Manager, 2016-2018
- Collaborated with founder/curator to manage exhibition of more than 60 artists. Served as main point of contact and communication, ensuring all submission deadlines and milestones were met for the artwork submissions, creation of the website, ads, magazine articles, catalogue, and shipping of the artwork.
- Main communication organizer among curator, exhibiting artists, graphic designer, marketing manager, art-handling company, and hosting facility
- Edited and managed the production of 100-page catalogue; collaborated with curator on branding and copy for advertisements and marketing; pitched and sold ads to galleries and art organizations; authored press release and promotional articles related to exhibition, including a feature in American Art Review; worked with marketing and graphic designers on content for wall labels and didactics
- Partnered with founder/curator on educational events and programming to supplement and support the exhibition. Co-hosted public openings, panel discussions, and live Q+A with the curator
The Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy
Editor/Author of 25th Anniversary Book, 2013-2015
- Worked with academic director and executive director to create conceptual, editorial, and production plan for book; managed biography and image submissions from more than 100 artists; oversaw production meetings and photo shoots with graphic designers, photographers, and printer
- Culled all necessary research, interviews, and images for The Florence Academy of Art’s 300-page anniversary book; edited and copy edited all text
- Wrote main sections and forewords; spent three months on-site in Florence interviewing the founder, faculty, significant contributors, and students
- Worked with academy on marketing and PR to promote the book upon publication
Fine Art Today
Editor/Author, 2013-2014
- Along with managing editor, curated content for Fine Art Connoisseur’s 13-article weekly e-newsletter, focused on fine-art collecting and connoisseurship
- Author of articles on contemporary art, including artist profiles, exhibition reviews, auction news and reports, investing advice, market news, etc.
- Worked with managing editor to coordinate weekly writing, proofing, and production deadlines and schedule
Converge: Where Classical & Contemporary Art Collide, 25 CPW Gallery, New York City
Curator, November 2012
- Curated a 31-artist group exhibition to showcase art that embodied the skill and craftsmanship of the traditional art world and the expression and thought-provoking content of the contemporary world
- Organized exhibiting artists, secured gallery space, created website, wrote and published catalogue, promoted exhibition through print and online media, and oversaw visual layout/installation
- Engaged interested collectors and created educational events and dialogue around the exhibited work
Weekend With the Masters Workshop & Conference, Colorado, California, and New York City
Founder/Creative Manager, 2009-2012
- While senior editor of American Artist magazine, conceived and managed American Artist’s Weekend With the Masters Workshop & Conference: an annual event that brought artist-instructors together from around the world for an extended weekend of workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and panel discussions
- Collaborated with editor-in-chief to select artist-instructors and create programming and schedule for the event
- Coordinator of communication/submission process for all content related to the educational contributions of instructors and presenters
- Responsible for all conceptual and creative tasks related to building and managing this start-up event. Collaborated with events director on the management of all logistical and event-planning details and deadlines
- Created content for Weekend With the Masters website, promotional articles, print ads, and on-site signage and publications
- Hosted event and emceed panel discussions and announcements
American Artist Magazine, New York City
Senior Editor (2012-2009); Associate Editor (2009-2006); Editorial Assistant (2006-2004)
- Senior editor of American Artist magazine. Responsible for curating, assigning, editing, and writing content for monthly quarterly publications
- Principal editor of several of American Artist’s special-interest publications, including Plein Air Painting, Workshop With the Masters, and The Greatest Artists of All Time. Responsible for managing content, freelance writers, images, and internal staff from conception to publication
- Copy chief of American Artist and quarterlies from 2005 through 2009. Responsible for conducting and supervising copy editing for all print and online content; defined and enforced house style according to AP and Words into Type
- Author of feature articles for American Artist, Workshop, Drawing, and Watercolor magazines, as well as online content for American Artist’s website and e-newsletter ArtistDaily. These features included instructional articles, artist profiles, exhibition reviews, art history essays, and more
- Author of monthly Art for Thought column
MindShare Media Agency (Ogilvy & Mather and J. Walter Thompson), New York City
Assistant Media Planner (American Express and Unilever accounts), June 2002-February 2004
- As part of a the media-planning team, assisted in the planning of national print, broadcast, and online advertising for American Express and Dove beauty brand (Unilever) accounts
- Worked with database systems to create demographic and behavioristic reports and customize advertising plans for target audience
- Presented media plans, analysis, and rationale to clients. Worked with clients on developing a consistent and recognizable brand voice and advertising schedule
- Met regularly with sales representatives from major national and international publications to negotiate advertising plans, editorial/advertorial content collaboration, and event sponsorships
EDUCATION
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
B.A. in English/Professional Writing, minor in Advertising (December 2001 graduation) - Richmond College, The American International University in London (fall 2000, semester abroad)
PRESENTATIONS
- The Florence Academy of Art, Jersey City, New Jersey
Guest speaker, June 2017; Presentation: “Insight From Inside the Studio”
- The Florence Academy of Art, Jersey City, New Jersey
Guest speaker, January 2016; Presentation: “The Context of the Contemporary Art World”
- ArtExpo, New York City
Guest speaker, May 2015; Presentation: “Art Collecting 101: Advice & Education for Collectors”
- Restoration Arts Conference, William Jewell College, Kansas City, Missouri
Guest Speaker, April 2015; Presentation: “The Contemporary Art World & The Concept of Beauty"
- Via Affirmativa Arts Conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Guest Speaker, July 2014; Live Q+A about my professional experience in the art world