Jane Alexander ’25

Gallery Manager at stArt Gallery

Winston-Salem, NC
WFU Class of 2025
Majors: Studio Art, Mathematics

Career

Tell us about your journey from graduation to where you are today:

I worked at the Hanes Gallery as an  intern my senior year. I’ve been into art all of college, and I was scoped out by the previous manager Maya Whitaker. She suggested I apply for the stArt Gallery position. stArt is associated with the Wake Forest Fellows Program, and the stArt manager position is an honorary fellowship.

How did you apply to your current job?

I had two solo shows in stArt while I was a student, once as a junior and once as my honors show as a senior. Those really prepared me to use the space and think about installing art. The actual position came down to an interview process with a committee. The fellows program is a great stepping stone into a professional career, especially in management. You are familiar enough with how WFU operates, and you get experience in management and communication in an environment where you are comfortable and familiar. 

What is your favorite part about working at stArt Gallery?

I love talking with students about their work. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to apply. I’m interested in maybe becoming an arts professor in the future. I love installing work. Something I didn’t realize I would like but actually do really like is the systems/management/communications aspect. Data management has become a cool new tool.

What and where is next for you?

I have started looking at MFA programs (likely in Painting), probably on the east coast. I’m also in a band currently; I will always do music in some capacity, no matter where I end up.

Home 

What is your favorite part of living and working in Winston-Salem? What is the most interesting thing going on in the art scene there at the moment, in your opinion?

I was born and raised here, which is a huge plus for me. I like being near home and seeing my family a lot. Winston is coming into its own in an interesting way. We just had Phuzz Phest (a music festival) here for the first time since 2016. That was super exciting and inspiring!!

Wake/Advice

How much did your studies and general experience at Wake inform or drive your career path?

Obviously the art part is very obvious. Making art gave me a unique skill that is not the same as studying art history. Studio art is really good for this job; it makes you understand how to interact with work. A good skillset in composition helps with design and curating exhibitions. 

On the math side, I have a good base in problem solving. Often, you start with what your end goal is and then find out how to get there. On top of that, I have an appreciation for systems and things that work smoothly. I’m working on automating some of the emails and spreadsheets to set up longterm systems.

What advice would you give to a student reading your profile?

Learn how to make food for yourself! I didn’t consider that until I moved out of college and had to start making three meals for myself.

In terms of my career, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re going to make mistakes in your first job and you are going to beat yourself up about it. You might even make some people mad. Use it as a reason to grow and get better. Keep a log of what you do so you can bring it up with future employers.