UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Holli Turner, a doctoral student in the Department of Art History at Pennsylvania State University, participated in the Center for Curatorial Leadership (CCL) seminar sponsored by the Mellon Foundation in July.
The CCL/Mellon Seminar on Curatorial Practice offers art history doctoral students from all disciplines a comprehensive introduction to working in museums. The two-week intensive course combines exhibition and collection tours, discussions with curators and cultural professionals, and group exercises in New York institutions.
After a highly competitive selection process, Turner was one of 15 students who took part in the seminar, which introduces early-career art history doctoral students to the daily challenges and strategic questions of museum practice.
“It means a lot to me to be selected for this program and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Turner. “I feel like my acceptance into this program is a bright and pivotal moment in developing meaningful networking opportunities, building community, and my future career.”
During the seminar, Turner met with various professionals in the field, including curators, department heads, museum directors, program and finance officers, and trustees.
A specialist in the art of early modern Europe, Turner said the most valuable experiences included a conversation and tour with Stephan Wolohojian, curator of the Met’s European paintings department; meeting and conducting connoisseurship exercises with John Marciari, head of drawings and prints at the Morgan Library and Museum; and a question-and-answer session with Daria Foner, assistant vice president and specialist in Old Master paintings at Sotheby’s.
“In addition, the CCL staff supported my dissertation research and the painterly studies and copies I am working on in parallel with my dissertation,” Turner said. “The program fostered my love of art objects, museums, and my knowledge of the art of early modern Europe, with a particular interest in materials and techniques.”
At Penn State, Turner is studying under Daniel Zolli, associate professor of art history. After completing her doctorate, she plans to pursue a career in curatorial departments of European painting in museums, interested in the various intersections of their departments, such as materials science, race and gender.
“As I now complete my dissertation, it is up to me to continue to take advantage of this wonderful gift and opportunity that the CCL has provided me,” said Turner.
