Summer Internship Profile: Matt Flanagan

Matt Flanagan

MOSAIC

Artist Residency

The Summer Artist Internship Residency is a six-week gallery management position that includes installing and deinstalling exhibitions, planning events, executing events, community engagement, administrative work, promotional activities, and supporting local art events in the Berkshires.

“Participating in the internship over the last four weeks has been enlightening. Through the internship I have a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes to keep a gallery operational. While I do have previous experience with installation, my time at gallery 51 has shown me the importance of precision and attention to detail. I understand the lessons I learn and the connections I form here will continue to follow me as an emerging professional artist.

Similarly to my personal project on masculinity and transitioning, Quique Lee, one of the artists in residence at Mass MoCA hosted a men’s embroidery circle at gallery 51. While the circle was small, our group had a vulnerable conversation about learned masculinity and father figures (or lack thereof). The conversation led to a better understanding of my own masculinity and the men in my life. Additionally, I had never embroidered before, so this was an excellent opportunity to try it out and meet another artist.”