Mingjie Gao
Summary
Rising junior at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, skilled in diverse media including drawing, painting, and digital illustration. Focused on transforming complex subjects into engaging visual narratives, with a strong portfolio showcasing abstract and figurative work. Proven success in client collaborations, meeting deadlines, and incorporating constructive feedback.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Curatorial Intern
Shanghai Haipai Art Museum
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Chosen as intern representative to lead pre-exhibition research for major solo exhibition by Yang Xiaoyang under tight deadline, leveraging initiative despite no prior curatorial experience
- Delivered a comprehensive, curator-ready research dossier on schedule, earning formal commendation from supervising faculty
- Developed research framework mapping artist’s creative trajectory and academic background, coordinating team of interns through task delegation and progress tracking
- Led exhibition tours for 50+ visitors from Qibao Old Street and across Shanghai, delivering engaging interpretations and enhancing public understanding of contemporary Chinese art
- Assisted in exhibition execution, encompassing installation, condition reporting, catalogue photography, and development of promotional materials
Research & Archival Support
Deng Sanmu
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Conducted artwork authentication and provenance research for Deng Sanmu(, a significant figure in modern Chinese art and former Chairman of the Shanghai Artists Association), analyzing historical records and stylistic evidence to support accurate attribution of multiple works
- Documented and catalogued 100+ artworks into structured archival records, enhancing accessibility for researchers and curatorial use
Gallery Attendant
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts Gallery, Tufts University
01.2026 - Current
- Led interactive discussions with visitors, interpreting artwork and fostering critical thinking and engagement
- Coordinated weekly exhibition operations, enhancing visitor flow for engaging gallery experience
- Maintained professional presentation and preservation of artwork through adherence to gallery standards and handling protocols
- Organized attendance records, increasing accuracy and streamlining gallery administration
Editorial illustration with stem
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts
05.2026 - 08.2026
- Design editorial illustrations for two engineering research projects on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and T/B cell biology, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible visual narratives.
- Collaborated with engineering researchers through weekly meetings, concept presentations, and design reviews to develop scientifically accurate illustrations, enhancing project alignment.
- Conducted background research using scientific literature, laboratory observations, and microscopy data to inform concept development and strengthen visual storytelling.
- Produce publication-ready artwork using Procreate, traditional media, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva, delivering final assets in TIFF and JPEG formats.
- Incorporated client feedback throughout design process, ensuring project deadlines were met while maintaining clear, professional communication.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Tufts University / School of The Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA)
Boston, USA05-2028
Skills
- Visitor Engagement Techniques
- Visitor engagement
- Art Installation Support
- Visual communication
- Visual narrative development
- Research analysis
- Digital & Print Media: Procreate, Adobe Illustrator; etching, lithography, relief printmaking
- Project management
- Client project management
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — 2 Gold Keys, 1 Silver Medal, 3 Silver Keys, 3 Honorable Mentions; American Visions Nominee (Bottle)., Celebrating Art Contest — Published Artist (5 times)., SNAG Juried Student Exhibition (Online) — A Road Under Fuji San selected by jury (May – Aug 2025)., Iron Print Competition — Selected Participant (Feb 2026)., Godolphin School — Academic Scholar; Design & Technology Prize., Artwork collected by private collector
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
- Tisch Library & SMFA Library Exhibition — Tufts University Dec 2024
- Three etching works displayed over one academic semester
- Solo Exhibition — SMFA at Tufts University Feb 2025
- Presented 25 works including etching and interdisciplinary drawing
- Independently curated, installed, and deinstalled the exhibition
- Asian American Center × SMFA Library Exhibition — Exhibitor Mar 2026
- Echoes in Flow exhibited in a collaborative institutional exhibition
- Emerging Artist Group Show — GELB Gallery in Elson Art Center 29 Jan – 13 April 2026
- Two works (etching & lithography) selected
- Print Club Exhibition — SMFA at Tufts Feb 2026
- Three lithography works exhibited
- Show Your Narrative Exhibition — Tufts University Oct – Nov 2025
- Selected works A Swallow Kite and Koi Fish exhibited
Languages
English
Full Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native/ Bilingual
SALES
- Tufts University Art Sales 2025
Sold an original etching work Growing for $500
- Tufts University Side Walk Sales 2025
Sold 10+ artworks in a single event
PUBLICATIONS
- Future Histories Literary Magazine — Featured Artist 2025 – 2026
- 10 artworks selected for publication across two issues
Community Service & Volunteer Work
Sharron Art Center Charity Exhibition, Exhibition Volunteer, 2019, 2023, Supported installation, spatial planning, and exhibition coordination, Assisted with artwork handling, layout design, and deinstallation
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Chinese (Native)
Timeline
Editorial illustration with stem
Tufts University
05.2026 - 08.2026
Gallery Attendant
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts Gallery, Tufts University
01.2026 - Current
Curatorial Intern
Shanghai Haipai Art Museum
06.2025 - 07.2025
Research & Archival Support
Deng Sanmu
06.2025 - 07.2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Tufts University / School of The Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA)