PROFILE
Helen is a museum specialist with 27 years of experience in exhibition design and installation including 10 years of curatorial research and content development. A strong strategic thinker with sophisticated understanding of contemporary museum ethics, practices and missions.
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Helen's particular strength is the ability to deliver projects from the vision stage to physical completion. Very strong relationship development with artists, partners and stakeholders and extensive public speaking and lecture experiences. ​​
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SKILLS
Art Interpretation and Critique
Design and Installation
Content Development
Artist Relationships
Curatorial Programming
Strategic Development
Collection Care
Database Management
Acquisitions/Deaccessions
Consulting​​
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EDUCATION
Lindenwood University
MA: Art History and Visual Culture
In progress
University of Illinois at Chicago
BFA Studio Arts: Painting
Minor Art History
Graduated Cum Laude - 2021
AWARDS
The Rome Prize
​Talent Tuition Waver
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LANGUAGES
Fluency in Italian
Basic French and Spanish
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MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
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2019-Present
Title: Curator of Exhibitions and Collections
Miller Art Museum, Sturgeon Bay, Wi
Chair: Acquisitions Committee
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At Miller Art Museum Helen has revitalized the exhibition programming featuring 18 content-driven exhibits annually across 3 galleries offering artist invitationals, open calls and permanent collection exhibits. Helen has modernized the collection care and database management resulting in a stable, growing permanent collection of over 1,538 objects including long-term care initiatives and a revisionary collection strategy
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In Addition
Curatorial Consultant and Panelist for Oneida Nation Arts Council Dollars for Art Grants, Green Bay, WI
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2016-2019
Executive Director/Museum Designer
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, New Orleans
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For the Mardi Gras Museum, Helen conceptualized, designed and built a bespoke museum in the French Quarter, New Orleans for a private collector. Responsible for defining the museum mission, vision and developing community partnerships. Helen designed and oversaw the fabrication of display structures and curated permanent and rotating exhibitions. Composed and performed the historical tour, generated revenue sources and hired, trained and managed staff.
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In AdditIon​
Cultural Consultant of New Orleans for acquisitions by the quai Branly Museum de Jacques Chirac, Paris, France
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2007-2016​
Lead Preparator/Exhibits Designer
The New Americans Museum
Preparator/Art Handler
San Diego Museum of Art ​​
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Preparator/Project Lead
The New Children's Museum
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Preparator/Artifact Handler
The San Diego Natural History Museum
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For nearly a decade, Helen served as an independent, project-based museum specialist in the Balboa Park museum campus of San Diego offering a variety of services including exhibition installation, building display structures, restoration, mount making, specialty painting, fine finishes and collection care and management assistance.
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1998-2002
Preparator
The Arts Club Chicago
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Her museum career began in 1998 at The Arts Club of Chicago working directly with Blue Chip artists including Yayoi Kusama, David Hockney, Chris Burden, Cornelia Parker and Louise Bourgeoise.
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OTHER EXPERIENCES
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Rome, Italy
2002 - 2007
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Professor of Painting and Sketchbook and
Director of Student Gallery
Lorenzo de Medici School, Tuscania, Italy
Volunteer Lecturer and Artifact Handler
Archeological Society of Rome
2020-Present
Proprietor
Lily Bay Creek Homestead and Del Guidice Studio
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