Staff Spotlight: Becca Hiester

Name: Becca Hiester

Title: Associate Curator of Education

How long have you been at the Gibbes?
I’ve been working here for 3 years, but I volunteered for 5 years before that.

Describe your role here at the museum in a few sentences.
I’ve been the Associate Curator of Education since September of this year and I oversee all of our K-12 programming, adult studio classes, and our public tours (check out our online calendar for listings). I also organize training for our growing group of docents and educators. One goal of mine is to expand our “non-traditional” offerings, whether it’s STEAM tours for schools, a bilingual summer camp (coming in 2018), or a sugar skull workshop for adults. I also manage the Gibbes Facebook page.

What brought you to the Gibbes? Tell us about how you ended up here!
I grew up in Charleston and came back after finishing grad school in New England. The job market had just crashed, so I became a nanny for my niece (3 months old at the time) but wanted to stay close to the art world. I started volunteering at the Gibbes with the collections department because it was the only art museum in town. I had no idea what an amazing collection there was! Every week I fell more in love and knew that I had found the perfect museum for me.

Becca is spotted “photo-bombing” a sculpture in the rotunda.

What is your favorite work in the collection and why?
That is the hardest question, because for me, it changes! I do love the miniature collection, but right now my favorite work is Betwixt and Between by Patrick Dougherty. I worked with him on the first day of gathering in the woods, so it’s really fun to know that I was a part of the project (even if it was a small part).

Tell us about an interesting project you’ve worked on.
I really loved working with the miniature collection for the reopening. I printed out life-size copies of almost every miniature in the collection (over 300!) and worked with Sara Arnold to play with different displays and designs for the gallery. I also did a lot of research for the miniature website component, pulling out different stories and connections between the works of art.

As the Associate Curator of Education, Becca oversees Visitor Engagement programs, like the popular “Gibbes Fan.”

Besides the Gibbes, where do you take friends and family for the quintessential Charleston/Lowcountry experience?
My mom has always worked at the Charleston Museum (I practically grew up in that building) so that is an essential stop. Charles Towne Landing is always on the short list, especially during the spring. And recently I went to Bulls Island for the first time. That is a must-see for any nature lover!

December 15, 2017

Becca, along with Curator of Exhibitions Pam Wall and Director of Programs & Digital Engagement Lasley Steever, explores her favorite piece currently on view, Betwixt and Between by Patrick Dougherty. Photo courtesy of Rick Rhodes.