August 2025
August absolutely flew by, and I can hardly believe September is already here. Looking back, the month was full of growth, projects and inspiring moments that made me feel more rooted in this fellowship and the Hudson Valley community.
At the site, I’ve become much more confident with the history and rhythm of daily operations. I even led a children’s family tour and play where we explored the garden and the Emily Cole exhibit before creating art inspired by nature. Working alongside Beth, our Education Coordinator, I helped with workshops on natural plant dyes, a garden tour and pressed flower jars. These programs have been a rewarding way to connect with visitors and reminded me how much I enjoy the education side of museum work.
Me leading the Family Tour & Play!
My publication project is taking shape! I drafted a concept statement, met with staff and began working closely with board member Erin, who has incredible experience creating impactful publications. In September, I’ll design a visual prospectus to bring the project to life, which I’m excited about because it lets me use my design skills. At the same time, Beth and I have been developing a plant ID guide inspired by Emily Cole and is apart of a grant that the site was gifted to create some STEAM educational material. We’ve finalized the layout and plant list, and I’m now creating activities to pair with the guide. It has been one of my favorite parts of the fellowship so far!
The audio guide is underway, too. I’ve outlined potential narrators and drafted scripts for the sections that I and Heather, our Director of Visitor Engagement, will record. I’m also thinking through ways to reorganize the app to make it more engaging. It’s new territory for me, which makes it both challenging and exciting. I’m wrapping up a tour script for our Harvest Festival on October 19th, which will be another milestone.
This month wasn’t just about on-site work. A highlight was the Hudson Valley: Histories in Our Backyard conference at Vassar College’s Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. The day brought together museum professionals from across the region to share ideas on land and landscape, community engagement and hidden histories. The keynote by Stephanie Sparling Williams of the Brooklyn Museum was especially inspiring. It was an energizing reminder of how collaboration can reimagine historic collections. Stephanie’s work redesigning the American art wing, might now be my favorite exhibition even though I haven’t seen it in person yet.The conference left me full of ideas and reminded me of the power of collaboration in shaping museum practice.
Stephanie Sparling Williams of the Brooklyn Museum talking about her redesign.
We also visited Manitoga, the home of industrial designer Russel Wright, and Storm King Art Center. Manitoga was breathtaking in both design and landscape, and it reignited my love for design. Storm King was equally inspiring, even though our visit was cut short by a dramatic storm. Hannah des Cognets, Director of Education at Storm King, shared insight into their education and programming and generously gave me one of their publications, which is already feeding ideas for the publication I’m developing at the Cole Site.
Maya and I at Manitoga!
August was fast-paced and full, but deeply rewarding. It feels good to pause and see how far I’ve come in just a few months. Looking ahead, I’m excited to lead my first art workshop in September and to take a trip up to Boston to visit friends who are beginning their own professional journeys. I can’t wait to see what this next month brings!
