Though I had already accepted the position in the private studio in Chelsea, I simply could not turn down the offer from MoMA. I would later come to hear the term MoMA glitter, the sparkle given to anything associated with the institution whether person, resume or even art. After previous internships of glorified filing, I was a little worried that an institution such as this would be limiting of what interns where allowed to handle, I consulted Steve Obanion, a former MoMA intern, and my tour guide at Winterthur, who reassured me that MoMA was a wonderful experience. He wasn't wrong.
I was immediately impressed with the organization as a whole and believe I am very fortunate in this opportunity. I along with another intern, Jihyun Choi a recent graduate in paper conservation, work with conservators on a large scale project and I have also been given a small object for treatment. The large scale project is made of non-traditional materials and we recently met with the very forthcoming artist to discuss his unique medium and technique.
A major aspect of my time at MoMA is the range of skill of those with whom I work. Besides awing experiences with head conservators, Lynde Zycherman and Michael Duffy, Roger Griffin offers wonderful guidance and supervision on my independent project while I also work closely with Fellow Anne Grady and 4th year NYU graduate student intern Jennifer Hickey. While Grady, Hickey, Choi and I work off-site on a large scale project they are able to offer guidance and advice on adhesives, graduate schools and conservation concepts. It is reassuring to see my peers who are near or recently graduated working in the profession who also have a contemporary input of the demands of the field. Despite being the lowest on the conservation totem pole my opinion and judgment is valued and I am treated as part of the team.
Besides my time in the Conservation Department, the internship program organizes weekly meetings to the other exhibits or projects of the museum. My only downside of my time here, is that it is not enough. Between another internship and a part time job with Dr. Colin Eisler I wish I could spend every day at MoMA and for much longer than 3 months. Hopefully one day I'll return, but for now I love the sparkle ignited when I say, "I'm a MoMA intern." Yes, there is the prestige of the name, but MoMA glitter exists because it truly is an illuminating place.
