As an intern, I’ve had the opportunity to play various roles—designer, photographer, note-taker, problem-solver. Yet, the most captivating moments of my internship unfolded during two distinct studio events. One was the bustling DUMBO Open Studios, a vibrant, public-facing weekend that drew in a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts. The other was a more intimate, experimental studio session, where board members and a resident artist came together for a private, collaborative work session.
“These two events couldn’t have been more different—but both reminded me that creative spaces are built through relationships, not just walls.”
DUMBO Open Studios: Public Energy, Creative Flow
DUMBO Open Studios was a city-wide weekend inviting the public into artists’ studios across Brooklyn. I supported the organization’s participation by helping prepare the space and documenting the day through photography. The energy was kinetic; visitors flowed in and out, asked questions, took notes, and wandered through active workspaces.
“People weren’t there to see polished final pieces—they were there to witness what making looks like.”
My focus was to creep, capture moments without interrupting them, and respect the boundaries of artists who didn’t want their works-in-progress photographed. I documented the light in the room, the way guests moved through the space, and the conversations that sparked in unexpected corners.
Private Studio Activation: When the Board Becomes the Work
A few weeks later, I helped facilitate a very different kind of event, an open studio not for the public but for members of the organization’s board. Instead of standing on the sidelines, the board members were invited into the creation process. They worked directly with one of the artists in residence, experimenting and building collaboratively inside the studio space.
“This wasn’t a performance or presentation. It was a chance to experience the vulnerability of the artistic process firsthand.”
The energy was less about showcasing and more about sharing. It required a different kind of documentation, capturing nuance, intimacy, and the slow unfolding of ideas. I also helped support the day’s logistics, assisting with set-up, checking on supplies, and making sure the artist had everything needed to lead the experience fluidly.
Reflection: Two Events, One Lesson
Despite their stark differences in tone, audience, and structure, these events served as transformative experiences. They taught me that the Studio isn’t just a place for production. It’s a space for connection. The Studio fosters creative exchange, whether it’s a bustling afternoon full of new visitors or a serene weekday morning with a few collaborators.
“I learned how to support both spectacle and subtlety. And I saw how design and documentation can help honor both.”
Final Thoughts
DUMBO Open Studios taught me how to move within a large, public-facing creative environment and remain mindful of artistic boundaries. The board activation taught me how to document shared authorship and protect the integrity of a quieter, more personal process. These events sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of being present in a creative space.
Interning often means taking on a multitude of tasks. However, these moments of engagement and learning were powerful reminders of why I chose this path and what it truly means to excel in this field.