MA in Art History

Melissa Garcia

How did you decide to pursue an MA in Art History?

In high school, I co-curated an exhibition in a gallery with a classmate of our own artwork made in a two-year course. From there, I enjoyed curating and working in gallery spaces with others. I went on to major in Art Studies with a visual arts concentration at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Art Studies program covered various aspects of the arts, including administration, history, production, and theory. In wanting to pursue a curatorial career, I decided to undertake an MA in Art History.

What have you learned in an art history class that really surprised you/changed your perspective?

Recently, Dr. Berger’s seminar, “Vision and Justice in African American Art”, had influential dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones come in as a guest speaker. Jones challenged us to consider visual thinking, how people see, and reflect on our own perceptions and receptiveness. Jones closed discussion with the questions of what is the statute of limitations on our ignorance and at what point do we take responsibility for our own education? Seminar discussions are not only robust and thoughtful, but they also provide opportunities to learn from guest speakers and lecturers who offer fresh perspectives in our classes.

Have you had any internships? Or interesting jobs or volunteer experience? Tell us about it/them.

During the summer of 2023, I worked as a marketing intern for the Hillsborough Arts Council, a local arts nonprofit in my hometown. Apart from designing marketing content, I also helped with the curation, arrangement, and installation of an exhibition, Art is for Everyone, for their gallery location. In the spring and fall semesters of 2024, I worked as a curatorial intern at the North Carolina Museum of Art for their Modern and Contemporary Galleries. I researched artists and objects from the NCMA’s collection and potential acquisitions to write artist biographies and object labels. I also assisted in developing a collection-based exhibition, The Artist’s Model, specifically doing preliminary research and arrangement of objects.

Any accomplishments you’re proud of? Opportunities you’ve taken advantage of? Brag a little!

I’m proud and grateful for the trajectory of the opportunities I’ve managed to achieve. With my first internship at the HAC where I was also their first intern, I helped shape the internship program and the organization, where I continue to volunteer whenever I can. Working at a relatively small organization also opened my eyes to the various types of positions I could pursue in my career. Additionally, I worked with my undergraduate art history professor, Dr. Alexis Clark, to develop an art history independent study course where I wrote the writing sample I submitted to this MA program.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Since I didn’t do my undergraduate at Mason, I haven’t had as much of a chance to build relationships with Mason faculty compared to other students. However, all of the professors I’ve taken classes with thus far have been wonderful and supportive. Learning from professors with diverse expertise has been transformative for me, and I feel that I’ve grown more confident and improved my research, writing, and discussion skills thanks to their support and feedback. I am particularly excited to work with Dr. Greet and Dr. Schulman on my thesis in the coming year.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students? 

The art history department is incredibly supportive, and there is an abundance of opportunities and resources available, such as the Art History Graduate Association, for relationship building and learning. Ultimately, it’s important to trust yourself and the path you’ve chosen, which will allow you to gain more from your experience.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Following graduation, I intend to pursue a curatorial position in a museum or gallery, with a specific focus on modern and contemporary Latin American art. However, I am open to pursuing other relevant roles or different types of arts-related organizations.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I would like to express my gratitude to the faculty and students, particularly those involved in the Art History Graduate Association. I have found my professors and classmates in this program to be welcoming, making this experience valuable and fulfilling.