Amaya Gallay
Chicago,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented art professional with experience in luxury retail, museum conservation, textile collections, and client service. Strong background of research in East Asian art, historic textiles, decorative arts, and material culture through work at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the RISD Museum. Recognized for meticulous object handling, textile expertise, and warm, client-focused communication. Comfortable working with collectors, designers, and luxury clientele while supporting sales, inventory, exhibitions, and gallery operations. Eager to contribute curiosity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for Asian art and antiques.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Assistant
Veronica Beard
Chicago, IL
09.2025 - Current
- Deliver personalized luxury client service while assisting customers with garment selection, fit, textile quality, and garment care.
- Support the sales team through efficient stockroom operations, merchandising, fitting room service, and inventory organization.
- Perform garment alterations and minor repairs to maintain presentation standards and ensure client satisfaction.
- Build product knowledge across luxury textiles, construction techniques, and craftsmanship.
Fabric Sample Librarian
Holland & Sherry Interiors
New York, NY
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Organized and maintained extensive collections of luxury fabric and wallpaper samples used by leading interior designers.
- Fulfilled sample requests for designers and clients while supporting the showroom sales team.
- Developed extensive familiarity with premium textiles, weaves, leathers, wallcoverings, and interior materials.
- Maintained meticulous organization and presentation standards in a fast-paced luxury showroom environment.
Intern, Department of East Asian Paintings Conservation
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Created a comprehensive documentation and cataloging system for historic Japanese mounting silks used in the conservation of paintings.
- Organized and assessed hundreds of traditional Japanese silks according to material characteristics, quality, and condition.
- Assigned unique accession numbers and maintained detailed conservation records to improve accessibility for conservators.
- Worked closely with conservation staff while handling culturally significant materials requiring exceptional care and precision.
Textile Conservation Intern
RISD Museum of Art
Providence, RI
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted in the conservation, stabilization, and preparation of historic and contemporary textiles for storage and exhibition.
- Performed hand stitching, couching, seam repair, facing, button fastening, and other conservation treatments.
- Participated in exhibition installations and collaborated with conservators and curators.
- Cataloged textile collections using MuseumPlus while documenting condition and object location.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, NY05.2025
Skills
- Luxury Sales & Client Service
- Asian Art & Material Culture
- Historic Textiles & Decorative Arts
- Textile Identification & Fabric Knowledge
- Inventory Management
- Collection Documentation
- Object Handling & Preventive Care
- Exhibition & Gallery Support
- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
- Attention to Detail
- Collaborative Teamwork
Timeline
Sales Assistant
Veronica Beard
09.2025 - Current
Fabric Sample Librarian
Holland & Sherry Interiors
06.2025 - 08.2025
Intern, Department of East Asian Paintings Conservation
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
02.2025 - 04.2025
Textile Conservation Intern
RISD Museum of Art
06.2024 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Sarah Lawrence College