By Mark Ambrogi
Carmel High School junior Ally Russell and sophomore Ethan McAndrews don’t consider themselves as having a great deal of artistic ability.
However, they do feel they have an eye for art. The two were selected for the Carmel Arts Council’s Emerging Curator Program. The students will serve as curators for the CAC’s Summer Art Show, which will begin in July at the CAC’s Children’s Arts Gallery. They will review their high school’s Cyber Art Show which will debut in mid-May. They will decide on a theme and title for their show. After that they will determine which pieces best represent that theme. The two students will be mentored by Harriet Warkel, a CAC member and Indianapolis Museum of Art curator.
Russell and McAndrews were selected from a group of seven candidates.
“I’ve always expressed an interest in looking at art,” McAndrews said. “Going to museums a lot, I always thought I wanted to be a curator and something involved in the art world. This is perfect position to see what goes into that job. I think this will help me see if it’s something I want to do in the future.”
McAndrews said he is not a good artist, but likes to sketch.
“I’m more of admirer of art like Ethan, I don’t even sketch,” Russell said. “I think this is a way I can be involved in art without having any specific art talent.”
Russell said she applied because she also has an interest in the career of curating.
“I think the kids at Carmel High School do such great work and their work needs to be showcased in a professional way,” Russell said. “I’m interested in educating the public on the work they do. It’s really incredible.”
Being supervised by Warkel is another bonus, Russell said.
“This is a great opportunity for me to pass along my education to them and to get a good education on being a curator,” Warkel said. “I want them to be curators but I want them them to get experience before they get their PH.D.”
The Emerging Curator Program started last year with 2014 Carmel High School graduates Ariana Nunes and Leo Biette serving as the summer art show curators.
