Day 2

It's always a bit harder to go back on your second day of work and come away feeling the same intensity and energy that you feel after that first entrance into a new job. However, today was a different experience for me, as my main supervisor was out of the office for the day. I was sent to do most of my work on my own, and this freedom with responsibility was quite liberating. I spent quite some time in the main Marketing office with co-workers Jennifer and Vanessa, getting data and such ready for release to important collecting agencies, putting together press files, and submitting email information for our online database.

I had to wake up a bit early to head into work today, since we had an External Affairs meeting at 9:30 AM with the complete Marketing/Communications/Development staff. It was the first official Smithsonian Institution meeting that I had the chance to attend. What a crazy event! There is so much to do at this point in time, as January is one of the museum's most busy months. Things begin to get much crazier and the amount of work greatly increases following the holidays, so I really have entered at a time when an extra hand is a great resource. I am really pleased with the work I have been doing thus far, as everyone with whom I've interacted seems genuinely pleased and appreciative of my work and time there.

I've been put on the staff list for running the Matthew Barney event I described yesterday. There aren't that many staff coming, and quite frankly, I'm afraid that it is going to be a complete fiasco tomorrow. Here's the situation-- we have the capacity to hold 272 people, in seats, in our auditorium. We have reserved about 22 seats for press, 25 or so for donors, 50 for members, and then a bit less than 50 for staff, docents, and the curators. Basically, we are going to have about 100 or maybe even fewer tickets left for the general public (the math works out somehow... I know I'm missing some reserved ticket holders), which is a huge detriment to our program. One of the important facets of our mission is to bring contemporary and thought-provoking art into the public realm, so by limiting the spaces for public attendance, we're in effect partially going against our philosophy. However, it's a bit more complicated, in that Matthew Barney is an incredibly important and influential figure, but the constraints of the program do not allow us to outsource it to another location. We're expecting it to be a stressful occasion, but I'm really not too worried about it. It'll give me a sense of these sorts of programs and allow me a chance to get my feet more grounded underneath myself.

I'm off in a few minutes to attend a W&M reception, held by President Gene Nichol in honor of certain board members and their distinguished service. Supposedly, Nichol will mention us and our program in some capacity, so it should be well worth it. Also, it's supposedly rife with "heavy hors d'oeuvres" (I heard someone mention crabcakes...) and I have a feeling it will be a great networking opportunity to meet alumni. So, all in all a great start to this packed week!