That intern (no, not “that” one, the other one)

Greetings Artpacers! My name is Moira and I am currently the Education/Public Programs intern for the splendid organization that is Artpace! I’m a San Antonio native with an affinity for alliteration and enchiladas de espinacas now about to start my senior year at Trinity University as an Anthropology and Art History double major… and of course happily continuing my Artpace internship!

Recently, my lovely supervisors decided it would be a good idea for me to blog about my time here at Artpace. So, in efforts to refrain from being “that intern” (think flip-flops and a bad attitude), I’m pulling a Doogie Howser (minus the medical degree and TV syndication). Instead, I’ll be giving you a set of bloggles (blog+goggles… I can make up my own words right?), which will allow you to see through the eyes of the intern: the ins and outs of a living, breathing, perpetually moving, changing, and rearranging art space/residency program! So why intern at Artpace you ask? The “art for all” mentality and mission of course! Artpace really prides itself in educating the greater San Antonio community about the aesthetics and importance of contemporary art and art in general. Now who wouldn’t want to be aboard that locomotive? Everyone? Thought so.

As I have actually had the pleasure of donning the intern regalia (a nametag lanyard) for two months now, I think it best that I avoid writing a novel and just give you a few highlights/nuggets of gained wisdom of my time here so far:

• Visiting the Linda Pace Foundation on Camp Street was pretty darn awesome, getting to see exactly how Artpace got its start and how LPF remains a dynamic charitable presence in San Antonio. It’s pretty easy on the eyes too.
• Camp Artpace was an absolute delight! I was given the task of leading campers on a scavenger hunt around Artpace to find different textures for a collage of rubbings, inspired by Hudson (Show)Room artist Katie Pell‘s The Woods. The campers really got into the activity, learning about artistic components while crawling around with black crayons.
• I checked in members for Artpace’s Members-only Lounge at the International Artist-in-Residence opening, complete with official-looking clipboard. May I just say, rooftop parties at Artpace are quite the occasion: delicious food, great music, good company, and a Godzilla-like view of San Antonio! So I’d highly recommend becoming a member—supporting art and getting to feel like a culturally resonant massive reptile sounds like a heck of a good time to me.
• Due to a rather large staff meeting, I was tasked with taking over the Taco Friday beverage sales. Selling Jarritos to thirsty patrons in the middle of summer in San Antonio is definitely an undertaking. I fortunately only suffered minor casualties thanks to an incident with a wagon, an extension cord, and a bottle opener.
• The copy machine can be your best friend and equally your greatest foe, especially when mailing labels are involved. We’re still working through some issues.

Okay so that was mildly novel-esque, but now you’re caught up on my life as an Artpace intern!

Tune in next time for some Behind-the-scenes access to one of Artpace’s largest events, Chalk It Up! It’s sure to be “chalk-full” of fun… and bad puns.