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Days 13-15 -> The End

So here is where it all ends. These were my last 3 days at my internship. It was a great opportunity and being the first intern they’ve ever had, it gets me emotional just thinking about how they did this to basically help me out with school credits. It’s turning into a real thing for students in the future. They really enjoyed getting the extra hands that were capable of doing difficult tasks for them. I guess you can say I started a movement. *sob* 

ANYWAYS! Time for crying later. Let’s break down these days. 

Day 13 and 14 (basically the same things happened): For weeks upon weeks I’ve been organizing their entire summer art camp for kids that’s going to happen during July and August of this year. For these last two day the main focus was possible field trips and games for the kids to do on current days. Naturally I researched places close to the area, low in cost and the least amount of transportation as possible (as they would have to take the public transit bus for insurance purposes). I was so impressed with the amount of activities I planned: water parks, bowling alley, laser tag, indoor playgrounds, trampoline centres, petting zoo, boats rides and more. I worked out all the prices, the time it would take to get there, how long they would be there for, when in the day they should go, what bus number they should take, what they need before they go, the questions teachers had to ask before to get a group discount, and the restrictions each company and park had. My supervisor said that they may not use it and then my next visit it was totally scrapped. All my hard work, gone. At first I was angry but then I realized that it wasn’t a big deal anyways. People deal with worse things than that at work all the times. So I carried on.

Day 15: Since this was my last day there was no point in starting anything new. I decided to organize the work I had been doing into folders on the computer so that who ever wanted to pick up where I left off knew where to go. Then I picked up a project I didn’t get to finish (research for post-secondary art schools and job opportunities) and improved it even further. My goal was to make a chart to show what art related jobs there were out there but of course I didn’t have time. Once all the classes were done and all the kids were gone I talked to the president/supervisor. She immediately gave me a hug and thanked me so much for being such a great help over the past few months. I honestly held back my tears before telling her thank you. I would often complain to friends, family and coworkers how my Saturdays were ruined by going here and how I don’t have a life of my own anymore since every waking moment of my week was dedicated to something or someone. I regretted every word when she hugged me. Truly. If I had to do it again I would. All the people that were there were honestly grateful for my help. I wish I could help them further but I have to dedicate my time to making money to just survive. But to sum up my whole experience, I really enjoyed it there. 

Fin. 

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Days 10 - 12

I went to my first ever board meeting. I had to arrange with my supervisor a couple weeks earlier before I promised to go. I say promised to go because I literally had to skip an entire class (where something important was due) to attend this meeting because it would be my last chance to experience such a thing. It took me a while to convince myself it was worth it to go. The meeting was on the 15th at 7pm so I emailed professor on the Sunday to tell him I won’t be attending class for a reason and send him my work through email. He seemed cool with it. 

So. The meeting. 

Only members of the VAB board are allowed to attend these monthly meetings so I guess it was a special moment for me. I arrived exactly 7pm and I was the last one to show up. The table was full of familiar faces and new ones. They all had papers in front of them detailing the earnings the organization got and what needs to be improved, taken away and added in terms of classes and other programs. It was extremely interesting because there were rice krispy squares and a discussion timetable to organize who would be speaking and at what time. With a table of well-educated adults passionate about the art community the conversation got a bit erupted from time to time but they pretty much stayed on course. My role in this meeting was to literally observe what goes on behind the scenes. I didn’t mind because I wouldn’t talk anyways even if I had the chance. The only time I talked was when my supervisor/president of VAB praised the work I did so far. That felt nice. I explained how I organize the future summer camp and other topics of research I did over the course of my internship. The board members seemed impressed with it. One actually said, “she does more than us combined!”. Well it sure as hell felt like it for a bit. All in all, meeting went well. I don’t regret going at all. 

Now the other days I spent getting back into my researching. Luckily I wasn’t put at the front desk because it gives me anxiety just looking at it. I did, however, mess up a phone call, kind of. VAB has BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) Paint Nights. It occurs once a month and this month that particular paint night had sold out. They decided to add another one because people seemed so interested and that sold out as well. There were 3 spots left before I answered the phone. When I answered it (after it rang of course) there was a nice lady on the other end asking if she can sign up with her daughter and granddaughter (who is 16). She then asked where our location was because it’s hard to see from the road. I explained it as being “beside the dentist office and downstairs...in a basement.” After I explained everything to her and hung up, I ran and told my supervisor. She said next time I should say “lower level”. I hate the phone. -.-

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Days 6 - 9

My eyeballs hurt. 

I’ve done nothing but researching these past few days. I like research though. I was really anxious about possibly teaching a class again and being around children but thankfully I’ve been at a desk for the past few weeks. However, scrolling through the internet for 7 hours straight and collecting tips on arts, post-secondary art related schools and programs and camp activities is tiring. What’s worse is the fact that there are two different computers I can use. There is one in the office and one at the front desk where people sign up their children for classes and whatnot. I don’t enjoy the front desk at all. These parents have too many questions that I can’t answer. I’m constantly running around looking for someone who can answer their questions for them. I understand that I should know about the programs by now but there are so many other questions I won’t be able to answer. It freaks me out every time I see someone approach me with a child beside them. Luckily I’ve been placed in the office most times but once I get moved to the desk at the front I panic. Also, I have to answer the phone. That’s extremely stressful. I gave the wrong information on multiple occasions because I’m the only one the person can rely on to give them information because everyone else is busy with something else during that moment. So basically, I’ve been trying to research for things they can add to their social media AND organize an art summer camp all by myself whilst answering the phone and handling parents that drop in. 

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Day 4 & 5

So far I’ve been attending VAB every Saturday (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve). Here’s what I did when I resumed my placement.

DAY 4: First day back and a crap ton of things to do. I come back to my (second) supervisor running from wall to wall trying to get the artwork of members of VAB up in the studio for our display. The studio is small considering how many members and paintings had to go up. The artists themselves showed up and had a chance to pick which piece they wanted to showcase and put up for sale. I tried helping out but due to the small space and my inexperience hanging up proper artwork I was set aside until all the work had been put up. After they finished my superior came up to me very frantic and said, “Ashlee, will you be able to help me today?”. Of course I said yes and followed her to a pile of older paintings that needed to be displayed across the street at the mall. We stacked the paintings in the back of her car and drove to the mall parking lot. (Side note: She does not wear a seatbelt and drives somewhat recklessly. I’m lucky to even be able to write this right now). When we got inside the mall we lined up where each painting would go in the hallway’s display case (that apparently VAB got for free from the mall). I had to dust the case, windex the glass, remove what work is there already and put up the new work that we brought over. This all took about 3.5 hours in total but it was really fun. My supervisor said that this would count as curating a show since she took in a lot of my input in regards to what paintings should go beside each other and whatnot. I truly wasn’t expecting that type of experience but I’ll take it. Also, we took a random trip to Staples to buy stuff for the office. I felt like I was shopping with my mom. It was cute.  

DAY 5: Now this day was very different. This particular Saturday I could not go into the studio because my stomach was hurting quite a bit. Instead I went in on Sunday. Strangely enough I was not scheduled to work at my part time job like I usually do on Sundays so that worked out nicely. Only downside is the fact that the studio is only opened for 2 hours. My only task for this day was to do event postings for https://brampton.snapd.com/#/ for future workshops at VAB. It was actually harder than I thought because the description of each event had to be short, to the point and appealing while giving lots of information. I took me the whole 2 hours to write 5 event postings. I’m glad I got it done though. 

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Days 1, 2 & 3

Hello again! Long time, no time. 

Within these busy weeks I have managed to contribute 3 Saturdays worth of interning experience. Let’s break it down so far. 

DAY 1: First day was a breeze, but like a somewhat uncomfortable warm breeze. Let me explain. I was given a second lengthy tour of the studio where I will be spending the majority of my time. I got to meet both teachers that do the workshops on most of the Saturdays and see how to manage their students. My job that particular day was to help out the teacher that had the ages 9-13 AND (later on in the day) ages 14-18 with life drawing lessons. Now I have somewhat of a drawing background. It’s not my favourite thing in the world. Turns out, that didn’t matter. For both classes (which are about 3 hours each) I had to pose for them so that they could draw my figure for practice. Now normally this would be awkward but I figured I had nothing to lose anyways and this was for the sake of art. Basically my joints were hurting for awhile after that. 

DAY 2: The second day was not as bad. I was taught how to sign people up for classes at the front desk and got a run down of how the organization, well, organizes stuff. This was the day I was told that I can write articles for their website to be posted for the public to see. Woah! I never thought I’d get this opportunity so quickly. I’m completely stressed out by this but I’ll do my very best. Also, later on that day I was asked to help out in the mall across the street. Basically, VAB hosts a small craft table by the Santa Claus impersonator every year. People bring their children to our table to decorate their own holiday ornaments for free. There would be waves of children at random points of the day and then crickets, complete crickets. Everyone was distracted by some large man in a red suit a few metres from us. But all in all this day was really entertaining. 

DAY 3: Sooooo I’m a teacher now. Well at least for this day. So what had happened was the teacher that normally comes in slipped at the bus stop and possibly pulled something in her leg. I woke up with an message from the VAB president asking me to come in early to do either the teaching job or helping out at the mall again. So I put on my teacher hat and ran over. There was no lessons planned other than let the students work on Christmas cards or something that they had not finished already. Easy as pie! The first class had ages 12-16 in it which wasn’t bad. I struggled to pretend to be “hip” and “cool” until I realized I was actually somewhat relating to them. We played music, talked about school and anime and had a few laughs here and there. I was so worried they would hate me but I think I left a good impression. The second group was a different story but not in a bad way. Basically no one showed up. When someone did show up they would leave since no one else was there at the time. I was left with one student which was pretty awesome. We watched Minecraft videos and Art Attack tutorials. I helped him make a weapon out of cardboard. After that “class” was over I was rewarded with money which was extremely nice. I would have done it for free but..you know...holidays and gifts and such. >_>

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Interview #3 - Beaux-Arts Brampton

So this particular interview occurred on November 17th at 6 pm. Days before I was contacted by the executive director of the gallery to organize a day for an interview. It was either the 16th at 2pm or 17th at 6pm. Seeing as I had a lecture Wednesday morning and have to commute basically over an hour to get back home I figured that Thursday (when i’m home all day) would make more sense. So I sent my confirmation for the 17th and waited. Days go by and I heard nothing back. I figured, “hey, this person will be there regardless because of those options I was given. They’re probably there all the time. Lemme go to this interview as I promised. ON. THE. DOT. I don’t need a confirmation back.” So there I was, at exactly 5:50pm, walking around the somewhat empty gallery. I talked to the receptionist that vaguely remembers that I may be interning at this location. I told her that I was to meet with the director which shocked her. “Oh! She’s coming back? At 6pm, you said? She’ll be here soon then.” So I waited...and waited..and waited some more. JUUUUSSSSTTT A BIT MORE WAITING. You know, the usual. At this point it’s 7pm. The receptionist calls AND texts the director but there is no answer. Then she finally says, “well ‘so-and-so’ usually writes a confirmation back so maybe that’s why. I dunno. I can’t reach her. I’m sorry.” So before I parted, I told her that I will email the director saying I’m sorry that I missed a chance to meet her and that we should try to reschedule. I was so excited to work for this gallery too. What a shame. So I left and immediately contacted VAB through email that same night.

I didn’t hear back from anyone for days. Out of panic I contacted the Beaux-Arts director again looking for another opportunity fearing that I might’ve lost my position at VAB. BA emails me first, agreeing to reschedule and to confirm properly. I kid you not, VAB emails after THAT and excitedly welcomes me to start on Saturday. Soooo, I cancelled on BA. I had mixed feelings about doing that though. I saw a bit more opportunity and benefits with Beaux-Arts but VAB was extremely welcoming. So, all in all, I get to start my 80 hours finally. I never thought it would be so much work and I haven’t even started yet. -.-

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Interview #2 - Visual Arts Brampton

This interview happened on November 12th at 11am. I woke up at 7:30 to prepare myself mentally (and physically I guess with eating breakfast and all). I took a shower, begged my parents to drive me and was in front of the building with 20 minutes to spare. I looked over my notes nervously in the car and then marched in with my portfolio in hand and a somewhat genuine smile on my face. Before even coming to the interview I knew that there would be a lot of kids that attend the classes held here, especially on the weekends. To put it lightly...I hate kids. The only children I can and will stand are my nieces. They are carbon copies of one of my favourite people in the world so I will care for them with as much of my cold little heart as I can. Other children, however, they are on my bad list from the moment I see them. Prove to me, little human, that you are not the pure evil that you currently emit and I will stand your presence. ANYWAYS, I walk in expecting the absolute worse. I was wrong. Those kids were talking at an appropriate volume, sitting in their sits and weren’t throwing things around. Shook. I didn’t think I would be so comfortable in a space full of children. I waited for a few minutes to be introduced to someone. The 4 volunteers that were there were running around busily so I didn’t want to bother them. Finally I got in, had an amazing chat with one of the volunteers on the VAB board and toured the space. It went sooooo well. She was more excited for the internship than I was because of the lack of volunteering currently going on. It would be an honour to help out these kind people. I would not mind working in such a community driven artist space, no matter the task I was given. As far as what I would be doing, she said that I can manage the front desk and the social media, sit in on board meetings and even help teach classes. I can’t wait to start. I do have one more interview but until then...

MISSION SUCCESS!

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Interview #1 - Art Gallery of Mississauga

The interview was at 12pm on October 12th. I didn’t know what to wear so I found a random casual blue/black dress that still fit and stockings to hide my beastly legs. I got on the crowded bus and sat there for almost an hour to get to my destination. Directions were fairly easy. Thank you Google Maps. You the real MVP. It led me to a large building with areas dedicated to different offices and organizations (I think). AGM took up the back left corner on the first floor of the building. Very small. Almost disturbingly small for a gallery space. I was shook. I got to my interview almost 30 minutes early. I waited awkwardly outside on a comfy sofa watching the employees and visitors walk in and out of the gallery. When it was closer to 12pm I told the girl at the front desk (who was also from my school) that I was here for a placement interview. I got in, sat down with two lovely women who asked me if I know how to use social media. Huh? Well, of course. Was that it? Then they later explained that if I were given the position I would be managing their social media, sit at the front desk and help with events. Cool. That’s easy, right? Wrong. The interview lasted an awkward 20 minutes, finished with a cold and clammy handshake and no reply after sending them my work and resume through email. Apparently they were looking for a design student yet never highlighted the real importance of this beforehand. Sorry I’m not worthy of updating a Facebook and Instagram page...

Mission Failed.

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Personal Learning Model Final + Draft