Gallerie M’s new curator Shannon Wunderlich ’12 (Integrated Studio Arts major, Art History minor) will focus on the human aspect of art to reach out to the gallery’s unique downtown visitors.
“I’ve always been interested in how art can communicate with people and the impact it can have on a community,” Wunderlich said.
MIAD and the InterContinental Hotel developed a partnership that allows a student to choose artists and organize exhibitions for Gallerie M, the hotel’s art gallery. In addition to providing curatorial experience for MIAD students, the InterContinental also contributes to MIAD Scholarships.
“Gallerie M has a very different audience than any other sort of gallery in Milwaukee – business folks, families and any members of the community who happen to be staying there. It’s a little more of a diverse group of people, not necessarily as art-centric,” Wunderlich, 21, said. “I’m interested in trying to cater to that, and speak to those people in a way that engages them.”
Gallerie M and its visitors look to be a great fit for Wunderlich, who believes in the power of art to communicate, unite and develop common ground.
“I think it’s important to be approachable while being able to articulate yourself,” Wunderlich said.
The West Palm Beach, Fla. native feels that her experiences at MIAD, particularly her Integrated Studio Arts courses, helped her attain this position and have prepared her for it. It is no surprise to her that she follows in the footsteps of another ISA major, Danielle Rosen ’11, who served as Gallerie M’s curator last academic year.
“ISA pushes an awareness to interact. It’s highly focused on articulating your intentions in your work. The ISA major is conceptually driven,” Wunderlich said. “It forces you to specialize in communication.”
She is thankful for the well-rounded ISA program, and the opportunity to develop a range of artistic skills while also learning about the business side of being a visual artist. Many of her classes encourage students to get out into the world and explore their curiosities, making the artists aware of their place within their community.
Wunderlich formed a connection with MIAD faculty and photographer Sonja Thomsen, whose class stressed active research beyond the classroom walls. Wunderlich now interns at Thomsen’s photography business and is learning about the business of art, like the importance of networking.
Thomsen and Wunderlich attended an opening at Gallerie M this summer. There, they first began talking to Melissa Dorn Richards ’96 (Sculpture), the liaison between MIAD and the gallery, about the curatorial position.
Gallerie M’s first show under its new curator is scheduled for November.
Click here to learn more about MIAD’s Integrated Studio Arts program.
For more information on Gallerie M, including MIAD’s partnership and future exhibitions, click here.
Shannon Wunderlich ’12, “Waterfall,” plexiglass/ wood/ light
