When the Gibbes Museum opened in 1905, the nation celebrated what Charleston has always understood: the power of art – to inspire our imagination, heal our hurt, and nourish our souls.

Beyond the Gallery Walls: The Inaugural Vibrant Leader Intern

Danielle Drummond standing with arms crossed in a gallery with a big smile.

Meet Danielle Drummond, a talented and driven junior at the College of Charleston. She is pursuing a major in Studio Art with a concentration in painting and drawing, complemented by a minor in Arts Management. Danielle’s passion for art and commitment to her studies distinguish her as a star student, ready to make her mark in the art world.

Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by a museum’s ability to bring history, culture, and creativity together in one place. It’s simply magical. I’m thrilled to share my experience as the Inaugural Vibrant Leader Intern for the Gibbes Museum of Art. This summer has been nothing short of transformative, and I can’t wait to take you through the highlights of my time here.

 Why did I want to intern at the Gibbes?

My journey began when I was first introduced to the Gibbes by board member, Brenda Lauderback and close friend, Dr. Karen Chandler, former Director of the Arts Management Program at the College of Charleston. This internship was my chance to understand the mechanics behind the museum’s magic. From day one, I was immersed in the behind-the-scenes, shadowing every department and getting a holistic view of museum operations.

My Capstone Project

During my time at the Gibbes Museum, I completed a noteworthy capstone project showcasing SurveyMonkey program data from the 2023-2024 calendar year. I gathered valuable insights and feedback from visitors to improve program offerings and enhance engagement. I had the honor of presenting this project at the July Board meeting, where I received an award for being the Gibbes Museum’s first Vibrant Leader Intern. This recognition highlighted the impact of my work in better understanding visitor preferences and driving higher engagement with museum programs.

Danielle giving a peace sign while standing on a catwalk inside the Gibbes dome roof.
Danielle got a special treat when she toured the roof and inside the rotunda dome.

Hands-On Experience

My time at the Gibbes wasn’t just about sitting in everyone’s department meetings; I got my hands dirty (literally!). One of the most enjoyable parts of my internship was working with the summer camp kids. I assisted teachers and filled in for interns, making sure the kids had a memorable learning experience.

I also sat at the front desk with Alonzo Grooms, Director of Operations, interacting with visitors coming into the museum.

I went on several offsite visits, including a trip to the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC with the other summer intern Grayson Miller. Another highlight was our visit to the Library Society, where we saw the Shakespeare private collection and some of Alexander Hamilton’s doodles.

Then there was the adventurous climb to the Gibbes Museum’s dome led by Greg Jenkins the Facilities Manager.  Navigating the dusty foam insulation in the attic and seeing the dome from a unique perspective was thrilling. After that adventure, we climbed to the roof. The rooftop view was breathtaking, a memory I’ll cherish forever (though I might pass on doing it again!).

Mentorship and Guidance: Learning from the Best

Special thanks to Becca Hiester, the Director of Education and Programs, and Chase Quinn, Co-Director of Education and Programs and Curator of Special Projects. Your mentorship was like a masterclass in museum magic. They both showed me how museums can be vibrant, dynamic spaces that serve as educational and cultural hubs for the community.

I also express my deep gratitude to Greyson Smith, the Director of Finance, and Aimee, the Accounting Coordinator. Who knew finance could be so fascinating? They both helped continue to spark my interest in the financial aspects of arts management.

Working with Jennifer Ross, the Chief Advancement Officer, on grant writing was an absolute game-changer. She taught me the art of crafting compelling grant proposals and the strategic thinking required to identify and approach potential donors.

Danielle Drummond standing in front of painting with a huge smile.Reflections on the Future

As my internship comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Gibbes Museum. Your dedication and passion have been truly inspiring.

This experience has not only broadened my knowledge and appreciation of art but also solidified my career interests. I’m now exploring paths in Development or Programming with a focus on art. The networking opportunities and personal growth I’ve experienced are invaluable, and I look forward to carrying these lessons forward in my career.

Thank you, Gibbes Museum, for an unforgettable summer. Here’s to the future and all the adventures this program holds!

Published July 31, 2024

Related Content