Completing an Internship - 5 points

This summer I had the pleasure of working at the National Gallery of Art I the Gallery and Studio Learning Department. In this role, I worked with the Art Around the Corner team, a partnership program with DC Public Schools to bring students into the museum and engage with art, ultimately demonstrating that the Gallery is for them as much as it is for tourists. 

The bulk of my term was supporting the team in their preparation of the exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955 - 1985. This exhibit examines the impact of photography on
movements that celebrate Black history, identity, and beauty. I supported the development of lesson plans and programming for the exhibit.  

Reflecting on this internship while the Gallery is closed (due to the government shutdown) is a stark reminder that history and art are interpreted and regulated through the government, even though these institutions are meant to represent the public. Overall, I am forever grateful for this experience, and I look forward to using the skills I gained at the NGA in all future endeavors.

- Kaela Hawkins (c/o 2026)