A New World of Opportunities

August 20, 2010

With her enthusiasm for this type of work, Banas turned to McNally for guidance on pursuing a career in an art museum. Aside from assisting her with the graduate school application process, McNally encouraged her to apply for a competitive summer arts program at Smith College called the Summer Institute in Art Museum Studies.

One of 15 students chosen from 70 applicants, Banas spent six weeks this summer touring numerous museums throughout New York and New England, meeting with museum professionals, and planning and installing an art exhibit at the Smith College Museum of Art.

"It was a great academic workout," laughs Banas. "It was a jam-packed six weeks but it was an incredible experience."

The group visited over ten museums, from large city museums like the Met in New York City to smaller neighborhood museums like the New Britain Museum in Connecticut. At each museum, they met with a variety of museum workers, including educators, conservators, exhibition designers, and curators.

"The program gave me an in-depth look at every aspect of the museum world and they all sound so exciting to me. I would be grateful to have any job in a museum," says Banas, who is narrowing down her choices for graduate school.

"I'm mainly focusing on art history programs that have strong museum components to them."

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