Cassie Chan (Art History ’25) was a Summer 2024 Intern at the Escalette Collection of Art. Below are her thoughts about spending the summer with the Escalette Collection. 

As one may imagine, summertime at Chapman means a campus just as dry as its desert location. Yet, while student life sleeps, I found another source of vitality interning with the Escalette Collection of Art, an experience I could not be more grateful for!

During my time with the Escalette Collection, I dove headfirst into the world of collections management, curation, and research. Despite pursuing a degree in art history, I had never worked so hands-on with the pieces I would study before. My adventures in the collection led me to a variety of new lands, some particularly dusty, like when reporting on the condition of artworks on display and delicately cleaning them, a task I found I could completely lose myself in up until being interrupted by an itchy nose. 

The highlight of my internship was working on the Inna Jane Ray Exhibit, Body of the World, a true culmination of what I’d spent the summer learning. My role alongside my co-intern, Bella, involved reviewing Ray’s sketchbooks, selecting pieces, and developing a narrative for the exhibit that was true to Ray’s vision. 

Writing the text and labels for the exhibit was a challenge and joy, pushing me to communicate the essence of Ray’s work in a way that would resonate with visitors. It was a process of discovery and creativity, blending research and storytelling to paint a picture of the artist. Installing the exhibit was the conclusion of weeks of planning, from mapping and measuring the layout of the exhibit space to the final placement of each artwork and its accompanying label; every detail mattered. 

Although the summer heat made me wilt at times, this internship has been a summer of growth, learning, and inspiration. From all the exciting experiences of curating to field trips and even cleaning the artwork, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for the art world and the many roles that contribute to it. 

As I leave this internship, I carry with me a treasure trove of experiences, skills, and memories. The Escalette Collection of Art has not only been a place of learning but also a canvas for my own personal and professional development. School will start again soon, and I’ll be right back on campus, but having had a hand in the art that surrounds me, there’s no place I’d rather be!