Ellen Patton, a senior art major with a concentration in museum studies, has not had a straightforward path in her life. As a high school student, she explored a range of art-related fields, including interior design, photography and graphic design. However, it was her senior year of high school in her Advanced Placement Art History class when she solidified her interest in the arts.
“I knew this was something I had to pursue,” Patton said.
This realization led her to explore the possibilities within GCSU’s Art Department and her concentration in museum studies, where she ultimately discovered a field that combines her love of art, community engagement and research.
At GCSU, the museum studies concentration equips students with practical skills in curatorial, archival and preparatory work. Patton explains that the program is structured to offer students foundational knowledge of how museums function before progressing to hands-on experiences.
“In our early classes, we learn about the origins of museums and how each department operates,” Patton said. “By upper-level courses, we’re curating our own exhibits, learning to accession collections and working directly with local artists.”
This comprehensive approach to museum studies has allowed Patton to engage in the multifaceted work required to bring art into the public eye.
Patton’s commitment to this field is rooted in her passion for art and academia. Though she has always been an artist at heart, she admits that creating art for a living was not her ultimate goal.
Finding a field that balances creative and academic interests has allowed Patton to flourish in her studies. The prospect of working in a field where she can continually engage with diverse forms of art keeps her excited about the future.
Art classes at GCSU also play a significant role in shaping Patton’s career aspirations. Through a diverse selection of art history classes covering topics like Baroque Rome and Latin American Art, she developed an affinity for contemporary performance art and ceramics.
“I am a ceramics minor and have learned so much through working in the studio,” Patton said. “To me, it is really important to understand how art is made because the process informs so much of the final result of a piece.”
In her museum studies courses, she gained hands-on experience in exhibit research and installation and worked collaboratively with departments to coordinate gallery space. Each experience has deepened her passion for the field.
“Getting to apply what I have learned from textbooks in real-world settings has solidified that this is a viable career path for me,” Patton said.
While she is not deeply involved in on-campus organizations, Patton is a familiar face at GCSU’s student artists and farmers markets. Participating in these events each semester since her freshman year has allowed her to build connections with other student artists, forming a community where creative ideas are freely exchanged.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Patton also runs a small earring business, which has been a valuable source of connections within the art community across Georgia and the Southeast. This venture, she says, helped her meet artists and gain insights into the supportive network she hopes to work in after graduation.
“Everyone is willing to talk and wants to be friends, connect with you, and help you in any way they can,” Patton said. “I’ve been told about different job openings, galleries and museums I should look into, and given other contacts to get in touch with just by walking around and meeting my booth neighbors.”
Looking to the future, Patton is exploring career paths in museum education and curation. Both fields offer unique opportunities to shape how art is interpreted and understood by the public.
“In education, I could share the history behind art pieces and invite discussions that open people’s eyes to new perspectives,” Patton said. “In curation, I could craft exhibitions with a theme that connects various artists’ works to create a larger narrative.”
This chance to facilitate dialogues about art is something she finds deeply fulfilling, particularly because she believes everyone brings a unique perspective to their interpretation.
Throughout her college journey, Patton has been supported by mentors, like Sandra Trujillo, her ceramics professor, and Megan McNaught, a museum studies professor. From curating a Valentine’s Day ceramics show to receiving guidance in accessioning and preparing artwork for exhibits, her professors have provided practical experiences and personalized feedback that have shaped her professional goals.
These opportunities have helped her realize how impactful museum and gallery spaces can be, not just for the artists featured, but for the individuals who connect with art on a personal level.
Patton encourages underclassmen who are interested in museum studies to pursue internships and take advantage of any hands-on opportunities available.
“Each experience, even if it’s not perfect, will teach you something valuable and help clarify your career path,” Patton said.
By fully immersing herself in her studies, volunteer work and personal projects, Patton has laid a strong foundation for a promising career in the world of art and museums.
