Katelyn Zeeveld working as a student guide at The Jule Museum.
My two years of experience at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art has been essential to my exploration of the art world. From my time starting in Visitor Services to working in the Education Department as a Student Guide, I have gained a deeper understanding of how a museum operates and the multiple roles necessary to ensure its success. Before joining The Jule, I only understood the visitor experience from my own point of view and was limited to personal encounters. Now, I’ve brought my knowledge from The Jule into other artistic spaces, such as the Marietta Cobb Musuem of Art, and can participate in the discussions of improving visitor experiences.
In my first role as a Visitor Services Assistant, I engaged with patrons as their initial point of contact. I provided information regarding the galleries, events, and grounds, as well as answered additional questions that arose. This position also revealed integral parts of the museum I wasn’t privy to as a guest, including the cross-functional nature of all the museum departments. I got to know The Jule’s Development Officer, who taught me about the role of development within the overall museum. Officers meet with prospective donors, tour with decades-long supporters, host events to celebrate museum milestones, and even stop at the Museum Store for thank you gifts. This plethora of duties was in high contrast to the donations I accepted on behalf of the museum from daily visitors but showed me how my role as a Visitor Services Assistant was vital to creating long-lasting relationships among patrons that could turn into even more support of the arts at Auburn. Understanding the duties of museum staff was an aspect of my position that I did not expect to be such a value asset, but one that helped me understand that each job at a museum is not just a title, but an essential part of a larger mission.
After learning the intricacies of guest operations, I joined the Education Department as a Student Guide. The most important aspect of this role is being a public face of the museum by conducting tours and engaging in community outreach. Visitor Services laid the foundation of interacting with the public, but the Education Department has shown me to engage with viewers through meaningful conversations oriented around art. The department’s mission is to educate guests, utilizing the museum as space of learning, exploration, and connection. I’ve learned how to tailor my presentations to diverse audiences, encouraging them to connect with the exhibits in their own unique ways. Through this, I’ve grown confident in my ability to communicate my knowledge effectively and developed a deeper appreciation for the power of cultural institutions to educate.
Building on my experiences at The Jule, I took the opportunity to work as a Curatorial Intern at the Marietta Cobb Musuem of Art in Marietta, Georgia. My two years at The Jule were instrumental in preparing me for this new position. The knowledge I gained in both Visitor Services
Katelyn, during her internship at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.
and the Education Department gave me a well-rounded understanding of how museums function from multiple perspectives. At the Marietta Cobb Museum, I was able to apply my skills in public engagement, assisting with curatorial research, and exhibit preparation. My communication skills allowed me to connect with visitors on a more meaningful level. Additionally, the organizational and operational knowledge I gained in Visitor Services enabled me to assist with the behind-the-scenes work that supports a successful museum because I understood how each staff member contributed to the institution. This experience at the Marietta Cobb Museum and my role at The Jule, continues to reinforce my passion for the arts and deepen my appreciation for the critical roles museums play in art education. My adoration has only grown, motivating me strive for a future role in a museum space.
