Coming from the National Gallery, McGowin Ey Anderson!
Thank you so much for your support and feedback on our newsletter last week with Chloe Post. This week we talked with McGowin Ey Anderson (C’10). She has lots of interesting insights and helpful tips for post-graduation experiences!
Did you have any internships during your time at Sewanee? If so, what were they?
“The summer before my senior year, I had an internship at LaForce + Stevens PR (now LaForce) in NYC, where I worked in Public Relations, specifically on their hospitality team. They worked with high-profile clients like Target, Veuve Clicquot champagne, and Belvedere vodka. It was a fun and intense summer.”
What made you decide to major in Art History?
“Like many students, when I came to Sewanee, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. My mom was an art history major; I felt her love of art and art history throughout my childhood. When I finally had the opportunity to take an art history class, I thought, why not? After my first class with Dr. Brennecke, I was hooked.
“Dr. Brennecke was my advisor my entire Sewanee career, since my first day of freshman year. She had an incredible impact on my education – she taught me how to write; how to think critically and deeply; how to consider art both in the classroom and beyond. I am so lucky to have had such a formative experience with her as a professor. She remains a friend and mentor today.”
What was your favorite art history course you took at Sewanee?
“Oh gosh, it’s been so long since I graduated that it’s hard to remember! I loved Modern and Contemporary Art with Dr. Thompson. He had just arrived at Sewanee when I was there, and I adored his classes. I wish I had more time with him!
“And of course, Dr. Brennecke’s survey courses were what hooked me in the first place. I loved her American and British courses.”
Where did you go after graduating? What’s your story postgrad?
“The summer after I graduated from Sewanee, I stayed on the mountain (I couldn’t leave yet!) and worked in the development office. By that point, my previous summer as an intern solidified my decision to not move to New York. I decided to move to DC with a handful of my best friends from Sewanee.
“My first job after graduating was in the alumnae relations and development office at the Madeira School, working with and for the mom of a fellow Sewanee student and friend. Carolina Richards Bennett ’10 (also an art history major!) and her family were the ones who connected me with my colleagues at Madeira. It was a great first job, but I knew I wanted to find something in the art world. DC is full of wonderful museums and art galleries; by the time I was ready to transition to a new job, I started reaching out to contacts and connections in the museum field.
“Through my work at Madeira, I made some connections with my now colleagues at the National Gallery of Art. After watching the Gallery’s job announcements for over a year, a role that fit my skills and qualifications in the development office was posted, and I landed the job. I’ve been at the Gallery for almost ten years, working my way up in the department, and now oversee our annual giving and membership team and activities.
“My job really focuses on the mission of the museum and how we can foster relationships to support our programs. The National Gallery is free to anyone who walks through our doors and my job is to help bring in money to help keep the museum dynamic, alive, and thriving.
“So much of my work is closely related to the art on our walls; my colleagues and I are constantly thinking about how we can promote the collection, as well as the vision and values of the National Gallery, while strategically working to raise funds to support exhibitions, conservation work, educational programs, family activities, among important projects. We do that by working with our curators and other staff to plan engaging events like private tours, lectures, talks, large-scale receptions, and dinners, all in an effort to show the incredible impact the museum has on each visitor.
“Of course, one of the best parts of my job is learning about our collection and exhibitions with my colleagues. I’ve been able to travel with our curators on exploratory trips to other museums and collections around the country; I’ve gone on some incredible behind-the-scenes tours of our special exhibitions and installations; and I’ve gotten to know some really interesting collectors and art world visionaries through my work with our curatorial teams.
“My other favorite part of my job is the people. I have an incredible team of colleagues and mentors that offer me daily support and guidance. It is a true privilege to go to work every day. And Sykes Eckhard ’22 joins my team this week!
“I should also probably mention that I have a wonderful husband, Case, who is in the class of 2007, and two amazing children, Jack and Sis.”
If you had to give one piece of advice to your college self, what would it be?
“I would say a lot to my college self! Work and study harder; get better grades; stop going to so many parties.
“But in all seriousness: Be patient. After graduation, I was so eager to work in an art-adjacent field; that didn’t happen immediately, but over time, as I learned how to be an effective employee and what my true hard skills were, I was able to grow and learn, and most importantly, I developed relationships and connections that pushed me towards the National Gallery and where I am today.
“The few years after graduation are seminal years; things might not line up how you envision them right away; be gentle with yourself, set your expectations accordingly, and know that everything happens for a reason and that everything takes time.
“On top of that: utilize your Sewanee connections. I’m sure you hear this ad nauseum prior to graduation, but the entire reason I have my job today is because of people closely related to Sewanee. There is power in your network! You never know what a simple conversation can lead to. (Email me any time! Mcgowin.anderson@gmail.com)”
What’s your favorite museum/ gallery/ exhibit/ work of art you’ve seen recently?
“Of course, my favorite museum is the National Gallery of Art! And if you’re ever here, let me know – I’m always happy to give a highlights tour of the galleries.
“My favorite part of our collection is our Rothko tower (see photo below); the Gallery has the most Rothkos in the world, so the pieces that are on view change often. I love going into the tower every few months to see what our curators have put up.
“Beyond that, The Rubell Museum just opened in DC – it’s chock full of super edgy and thoughtful contemporary art. And Glenstone, which is just outside of the city, is stunning – a museum established several years ago by collectors. Highly recommend a visit to both sites if you’re in Washington.”
How has your art history major helped you in your daily life?
“I’m so lucky to say that my major comes in handy all the time in my job and world. I’m able to (semi!) confidently talk with our curators and staff about their work, research, and scholarship.
“One piece of advice I always give recent art history grads: don’t limit yourself to one set idea of a career until you have some solid work experience. I work in a museum, but I’m not a curator. The joy of my job is that I get to see all their work up close and through a different lens.
“You might think you want to be a curator, professor, or historian; but then you take a position and learn that it’s not for you! That’s valuable knowledge and experience. Learn what your skills are, and where your talents lie, and try not to limit yourself.”
Thank you so much, McGowin, for sharing your post-graduate experience and advice with us. If you are interested in connecting with McGowin, don’t hesitate to reach out. Be on the lookout for our newsletter next week with Lily Robicsek!