Fiona Donovan | Student, Visual Artist, Creative Professional
Welcome to my creative portfolio!
I am currently a Junior at Parsons School of Design majoring in Design History and Practice, with minors in Museum Studies and Fine Arts.
Career Summary
My career has encompassed diverse roles across art galleries, music groups, and non-profit organizations. Currently, at Bill Hodges Gallery, I serve as Gallery Registrar, where I manage and improve social media strategies, enhance the gallery website, curate exhibitions, and oversee a collection of over 2,000 works. Concurrently, at Universal Music Group, I assist the Director of Administrative Services by designing recording studios for platinum-selling artists and organizing thousands of legal files. Previously, as a Digital Media Manager Intern at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, I executed creative marketing strategies across social media platforms, created multimedia content, and managed a vast photo database. In 2022, I worked at Studio Gallery DC, where I apprenticed the Gallery Director, managed art sales and guest relations, and implemented new marketing strategies to boost gallery attention.
Personal Statement
As a young female artist, I use my work to explore the nuanced relationship between female and male gaze, interwoven with the vibrant color palettes of the Fauves. Central to my artistic practice is the reclamation of historical paintings created by famous male artists who are notoriously misogynistic. With this, I hope to foster a dialogue on equality and agency for the female body.
Goals
I envision using my artistic insight and personal work, combined with my understanding of the art market, to fulfill my professional goals. I am working towards launching my own art collective and gallery, supporting up-and-coming contemporary artists while simultaneously creating a vibrant community of creatives.
Education
2022 - 2026
Parsons School of Design
Major in Design History and Practice (Art History and Fine Arts) | Minor in Museum & Curatorial Studies
Completed coursework | Integrative Studio: History of Modern and Contemporary Art, History of Photography, Arts & Cultural Marketing, Art and the City
Upcoming coursework | The Arts & Social Engagement, New York Art Scene, Media Studies
2018 - 2022
Alexandria City High School
Completed coursework | AP Human Geography, AP Calculus BC, AP 2-D Drawing, AP Environmental Science, DE College Composition (through NVCC), DE survey of World Literature (through NVCC), AP Statistics, AP 3-D Design
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Bill Hodges Gallery | Gallery Registrar
Managed and improved the gallery's social media strategy, increasing engagement and follower growth across multiple platforms
Updated and redesigned the gallery website, improving user experience and navigation while incorporating new visual elements and content
Curated exhibitions, coordinating with co-curators and overseeing the installation process to ensure cohesive and impactful shows
Oversaw the organization and documentation of the gallery's 2,000+ works collection, implementing new inventory management practices to streamline access and improve record-keeping accuracy
2024 - Present
Universal Music Group | Assistant to Director of Administrative Services
Strategically designed recording studios to optimize productivity for platinum selling artists
Systematically organized and maintained 2,000+ legal files, ensuring accurate and efficient retrieval of documents
Digitized and archived paper files, enhancing accessibility and preservation of important legal documents
2024 - Present
Somos Arthouse Collective | Curatorial Assistant
Conducted in-depth market research to identify upcoming art trends and potential artists, resulting in successful artist collaborations.
Established and maintained relationships with artists, art dealers, and collectors to expand the gallery's network and portfolio.
Evaluated and selected high-quality artworks, ensuring alignment with the gallery's artistic vision and commercial goals.
2023 - 2024
Appalachian Trail Conservancy | Digital Media Manager Intern
Utilized creative marketing strategies to execute social media content across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote 20+ events, fundraise and increase audience engagement
Created video content, graphics and original illustrations for social media platforms
Managed database of 200,000+ historical and current trail related photos to be used for content
2022
Studio Gallery DC | Assistant Gallery Director
Apprenticed Gallery Director of DC's oldest artist-owned gallery learning operations, client artists relations, and sales
Served as interim director managing art sales, guest relations, and communication and marketing initiatives meeting with 10+ potential buyers
Led 3 new marketing ploys bringing more attention to the gallery (e.g. Tuesdays and local influencer collaborations)