The Emerging Curator Fellowship, in partnership with the University of Delaware and John William Gallery, continues for a third academic year this fall. A unique learning opportunity for a current University of Delaware student, the fellowship offers curatorial training to an emerging professional. This year’s Emerging Curator, Charlotte Kelly, is currently pursuing dual degrees in art history and history, with minors in Museum Studies and Public engagement and in Architectural Studies. She looks forward to the chance to shape public engagement with contemporary art through this innovative program.
Charlotte’s first exhibition, Colorful Voices, featured the work of Taylor Gordon, Alim Smith, and Manuel Ramos. Artists and Emerging Curator engaged in a lively gallery talk during the November 7 first Friday Art Loop at 1313 North Market, the home of John William Gallery. Charlotte explained, Colorful Voices foregrounded “the vitality of local voices while offering a space in which viewers might consider how identity, humor, and heritage are translated into visual form. Taylor Gordon’s paintings situate themselves within the lineage of Black contemporary art, yet remain deeply personal. Manuel Ramos, or ‘RAmos ART,’ approaches portraiture with a keen attentiveness to light and surface, imbuing his sitters with an understated dignity that resonates quietly yet powerfully. Alim Smith, or ‘Yesterday Nite,’ works in a spontaneous visual language, fusing surrealism, popular culture, and sly humor.” For Charlotte, the works of art and resulting exhibition offered visitors the opportunity to engage in dialogue and consider the many experiences we share.
During the Emerging Curator program, Charlotte will develop two additional exhibitions during the winter and spring seasons. Her next exhibition will open on Friday, February 6 at 1313 North Market during Wilmington’s first Friday Art Loop. The show will feature the fantastic compositions of painter and University of Delaware graduate student, John Webb. Visit during City’s Art Loop to hear artist and Emerging Curator in conversation.
The Emerging Curator Platform is an awarded fellowship program subsidized by John William Gallery and developed in collaboration between John William Gallery, the Delaware Art Museum, 1313 North Market, and the Museum Studies & Public Engagement Program at the University of Delaware.
