The Samek Art Museum could not run without our guide program, many of whom are Bucknell students. Guides serve as the public face for the museum and are our first point of contact for visitors. They create meaningful and friendly experiences for Samek visitors in both our Campus and Downtown Gallery locations. Given the situation surrounding COVID-19, the Samek Art Museum is saying goodbye in a rather unprecedented way to several of our Bucknell Senior Student Guides who will be graduating this semester. We hope to see them in July for their graduation ceremony, but as they prepare to take their last finals at Bucknell, we wanted to honor their work at the museum and grant them a space to shine.
Julia Carita
Major: Art History (with minors in French and Arts Entrepreneurship)
How long have you worked at the Samek?: three years
What is your favorite artwork in the collection or your favorite exhibition?: Still, Kiki Smith
How did working at the Samek add to your Bucknell experience: Working at the Samek helped me to figure out that I want to pursue a career in museums. I loved having the opportunity to be around, so many breathtaking works of art, and the guide program allowed me to learn more about the Samek’s collection and everything that goes into running a museum. Working as a collections assistant this past semester, I learned so much about collections management that I hope to take with me to a career, and I was able to get close to and even handle some really incredible works of art! I am so grateful to the Samek for all of the skills, opportunities, and great memories it’s given me.
What do you hope to do after graduation?: I’m hoping to get a job in a museum so I can continue doing what I love!
Still, 2006
Aquatint and etching on paper
University Purchase
Samek Art Museum Collection,
2006.6
Madeleine Seibert
Major: International Relations and Public Policy
How long have you worked at the Samek?: January 2017-March 2020 so 3ish years?
What is your favorite artwork in the collection or your favorite exhibition?: Damaged Goods
How did working at the Samek add to your Bucknell experience?: Working at the Samek opened my eyes to so many of the wonderful resources and activities going on at Bucknell. From exhibit openings to artist talks, being a Museum Guide allowed me to become far more engaged with Lewisburg than the typical Bucknell student. Not only that but as someone who doesn’t study art or art history, working at the Samek gave me an opportunity to keep art in my life and be connected to the art community as well.
What do you hope to do after graduation?: After graduation I’m moving to DC to work for a global health consulting firm.
Message to the Samek: Working at the Samek has been one of the most consistent aspects of my Bucknell experience. The galleries hold a lot of special memories from over the years, and I know they’ll be some of the first places I visit whenever I return to campus. I can’t wait to see what Rick and the rest of the Samek team will accomplish in the years to come.
