Mingjie Gao
Cambridge,USA
Summary
Rising junior at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts University (BFA, Class of 2027) working across drawing, painting, watercolor, printmaking, Procreate, and metalwork. My practice centers on translating complex, abstract, and research-driven subject matter — from social and environmental issues to memory and identity — into accessible, concept-driven visual narratives. I am an inventive image-maker with a strong portfolio in abstract, figurative, and narrative work, reliable and responsive in client-based collaborations, and committed to meeting deadlines and incorporating feedback constructively.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Gallery Attendant
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts Gallery, Tufts University
230 Fenway, MA 02115
01.2026 - Current
- Coordinated weekly exhibition operations, optimizing visitor flow to create a smooth and engaging gallery experience
- Led interactive discussions with visitors, interpreting artwork and fostering critical thinking and engagement
- Maintained and organized attendance records, improving accuracy and supporting efficient gallery administration
- Ensured professional presentation and preservation of artwork by adhering to gallery standards and handling protocols
Curatorial Intern
Shanghai Haipai Art Museum
Shanghai
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Led exhibition tours for 50+ visitors from Qibao Old Street and across Shanghai, delivering engaging interpretations and enhancing public understanding of contemporary Chinese art
- Selected as intern representative to lead pre-exhibition research for a major solo exhibition by Yang Xiaoyang (the former President of the China National Academy of Painting) under a tight deadline with no prior curatorial experience
- Built and structured a research framework from scratch, mapping the artist’s creative trajectory and academic background while coordinating a team of interns through task delegation, standard alignment, and progress tracking
- Delivered a comprehensive, curator-ready research dossier on schedule, earning formal commendation from supervising faculty
- Supported exhibition execution, including installation, condition reporting, catalogue photography, and promotional material development
Research & Archival Support
Deng Sanmu
Shanghai Haipai Museum
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, improving accessibility for researchers and curatorial use
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
Tufts University / School of The Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA)
Boston, USA05-2028
Skills
- Illustration & Image-Making: Drawing, painting, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, ink pen, marker, mixed media; able to integrate multiple techniques within a single concept-driven image
- Digital & Print Media: Procreate, Adobe Illustrator; etching, lithography, relief printmaking
- Fabrication: Metalwork, woodwork, laser cutting
- Editorial & Narrative Practice: Translating complex, research-based subject matter (social issues, scientific and environmental topics, abstract concepts) into layered visual narratives
- Collaboration: Client-based project management, proactive communication, deadline delivery, constructive response to feedback
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
PUBLICATIONS
- Future Histories Literary Magazine — Featured Artist 2025 – 2026
- 10 artworks selected for publication across two issues
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
Languages
English (Fluent)
Chinese (Native)
Timeline
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)