The other day, my husband and I were talking about my internship and the fact that I enjoy it. He then asked me, "Is it some place you can see yourself at after your internship?". My answer? Definately!! Since my main focus has been on the Educator's Manual and then will move to the FamilyZone, I feel like there is so much experience for me to be a part of. Each day, I get the opportunity to interact with the staff and see behind the scenes how things work. Just the other day, I got the opportunity to help put up the new exhibition that was opening that afternoon. You don't realize what exactly happens with that process until you are apart of it. The main thing that I love about the Arizona Museum for Youth is that they are art based but focused on the children and giving them the opportunity to learn from the local artisits AND be an artist with the hands on activities available.
I feel as though, I could be apart of the AMY Team in many different aspects. One way would be in their exhibitions design. That is something that I feel connected to because it is creating something for others to enjoy. The other aspect, among others, would be the new program they are creating that is focusing on bringing in Autistic, Mentally handicapped, and other children that do not otherwise get the opportunity. This program would be an ideal area for me because I am so drawn with interest to those types of children. I feel that have much to communicate and teach us and that we can teach them better ways to communicate with the world through art. This is something that I would love to do as my career after graduating.
I got a small glimpse of working with an Autistic child, and it was so rewarding to make a connection with him, but also sad because he was not sure how to fully communicate aside from his already aquired ways. Because of this short experience, I am eager to get involved with those children in the AMY program and connect with them through the power of art.
Already what I have learned from my internship with AMY will carry on to my career choice. I feel that being apart of the design of the FamilyZone and the Educator's Manual has taught me to consider all ages and abilities in designing. Also, to consider, in the design of the Educator's Manual, that anything I incorporate into the manual will help them better their skills so that the experience with the children will be a very enjoyable, learning experience...and not just by the Educator teaching the children, but the children teaching the Educator. I have incorporated many articles and tips in the manual that suggest to them ways for them to be flexible and laid back, but also to ask the right questions so that all children are comfortable answering and teaching everyone in that tour.
I don't think that I would ever move from this type of atmosphere to an educational setting. I am more of a "behind the scenes" type of person and would prefer not to be the teacher, but be the one to train and provide the proper atmosphere and props for the teacher to connect with the children. That is where I get the most fulfillment.
Lastly, the only thing that I dislike of my internship is that there is not more time to be apart of all the aspects of the museum. I would love the opportunity to work with the curators, the designers and all the other aspects that make the museum. That is why I would love the opportunity to join the team of Arizona Museum for Youth. I feel that I have much to offer in children of all ages and abilities discovering art.
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Hi Katy, it's Harley! As a huge fan of museums I must say that I am very interested in your internship. It sounds as if it is going well and you are enjoying yourself. I feel as if I learn so much and appreciate things much more when I have a chance to see them at a museum. In my opinion it is important to have museums dedicated to children because they need to gain that same appreciation that we get as adults. Without children's museums it is difficult to make the connection between child and art. Traditional art museums are geared towards adults so children often don't relate to the art. Have you had a chance to check out the new Children's Museum in Phoenix? If not you should, here is a quick video on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSU3UQCuAIw. Good luck and I hope things continue to go well for you.
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