The Mason Spirit

Student: Noelia Montecinos-Beltran, senior
Major: Art History
Internship Site: Mason Exhibitions, George Mason University

As an art history major, Noelia Montecinos-Beltran’s goal is to become a curator at a museum. The internship she is currently pursuing with Mason Exhibitions puts her on that exact path.

Noelia Montecinos-Beltran. Photo by Creative Services

Mason Exhibitions is responsible for the exhibitions displayed across Mason’s campuses, including in the galleries of the Art and Design Building, Buchanan Hall, and Fenwick Library—all at the Fairfax Campus—and at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at the Science and Technology Campus.

Under the direction of University Curator Donald Russell, Montecinos-Beltran is currently researching geometric abstraction in Latin America for a future exhibition. Explaining her work, she says, “My research focuses on the motivations and social contexts of the artists in this important international movement.”

Her research will be used during the exhibition to provide explanatory context to the works that will be displayed.

She says the opportunity she has with Mason Exhibitions, which she’s been involved with since fall 2018, has given her valuable experience, including hands-on instruction in handling and moving artwork. “I am gaining knowledge on how to do research, and I’m gaining knowledge on how to be a curator…it’s getting me ready for my future job.”

Support students with a gift to the Unpaid Internship Scholarship fund.

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