2024 Summer Interns: Sabine Krigsvold

Growing up as a Norfolk resident allowed me the opportunity to wander the Chrysler Museum of Art’s galleries since I was little. Now, in a full circle moment, I had the pleasure to be a part of the Museum’s 2024 Summer Internship team. As a part of the Public Engagement and Learning Department, I put my art education from my primary school and my first year at William & Mary to good use, assisting in several creative activities for all ages. As part of my time, I brainstormed projects for camps, stepped into the role of teaching assistant, and helped with prepping and working events while forging meaningful connections with the wonderful team members around me.

The first assignment that I got to work on was a new program called Wonder Wednesdays. For five Wednesdays in July, this program encouraged families and kids of all ages to participate in hands-on activities and performances that connected the elements of art. I created activities designed to engage and inspire for each Wonder Wednesday and collaborated with the talented Emily Cayton and Stacey Shelnut Hendricks to make this new idea come to life. After weeks of preparation, we had our ideas exactly where we wanted, and the best part was watching families experience our hard work. With outside help from any hands we could find, we facilitated our different stations and interacted with over 200 people each Wednesday morning! This program was one of the most impactful projects I had the pleasure of working on. Getting to meet so many local families while also providing an educational experience for the kids, gave purpose to all the hours spent working on this program.

The other major project that I was tasked with was assisting the Camp Art Stars summer program. My role was being a teaching assistant to the head instructor. I gave demonstrations for projects, collaborated with the lead teacher, and provided any assistance kids might need while traveling on their art journey. During camp, I worked with wire, clay, paint, sewing, printmaking, and plaster materials. I enjoyed helping kids get a head start on a tricky project and being there to talk with them while they displayed their finished pieces. By far one of the best parts of camp was the final gallery we hosted at the end. Getting to see the pride on their families’ faces as they viewed everything the campers worked so hard on was truly a moving experience that brought me so much joy. Helping kids to be comfortable and confident experimenting with art was a gift in my life that I did not realize I was missing. Whether it was through Wonder Wednesday or Camp Art Stars, anytime I interacted with young artists my day became all the brighter.

Helping kids to be comfortable and confident experimenting with art was a gift in my life that I did not realize I was missing.

In between the preparations for these two major programs, I was able to volunteer at one of the Museum’s outreach events called PRIDEfest, expand my newfound love for teaching to the Sheriff’s Summer Art Camp program, step into an administrative role during the Indigenous Artist Teacher Workshop, and assist with organization for the Annual Library Book Sale. Throughout each event, I had a fantastic time talking about all the programs the Museum offers with local community members. It was truly fulfilling to share my interest in our different exhibition spaces, and I was honored to be able to represent the Chrysler Museum of Art.

During this time, I utilized my artistic capabilities, grew my collaborative skills, enhanced my tactics for management, and left a positive impact on the beautiful community in which I had the honor of spending my summer. Thank you to all the team members who helped me grow both as a working individual and as an artist. A huge shoutout to the people of the PEL department and beyond, Emily Cayton, Stacey Shelnut-Hendrick, Liz Weir, Grace Martin, Drew Lusher, Michael Berlucchi, Ruth Sanchez, Jess Feick, and my fellow intern Sanaa LaCore. Thank you for making this the most meaningful summer I’ve had the privilege of getting to experience. It has been an amazing time getting to grow as an educator, a team member, and an individual.