Raye-Valion Gillette
Snow Hill,MD
Summary
Accomplished artist and curator with over 20 years of experience in creating community based artistic exhibits and experiences. Passionate about telling the story of regional cultural heritage through visual arts and comprehensive programming. Considered an expert in the field and has been asked to collaborate on projects with the National Council of Traditional Arts, The Maryland Folk Festival, and several regional museums.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator and Folklife Program Director of MESC
Salisbury University
04.2023 - Current
- Manages and maintains the permanent collection
- Participates in museum space design and functionality committees
- Develops museum mission, vision, values, and scope of programming
- Cultivates relationships with community leaders, funding partners, and arts organizations
- Develops and implements program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with organization's overall mission
- One of the team leaders for museum branding and marketing programs
- Curated Folklife Performers and Demonstrators for the Maryland Folk Festival
Curator and Folklife Program Director
The Ward Museum, Salisbury University
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Curated, designed, and installed 14 exhibits, 5 of which were the main exhibits in the largest gallery
- Managed and trained staff of 4
- Renovated 2 new gallery spaces
- Researched and interviewed local tradition bearers and artists for online content
- Photographed and filmed local artisans and tradition bearers for online content and museum archiving
- Wrote content and photographed work for "Another View" exhibit book
- Curated the Folklife Performers and Demonstrators for the National Folk Festival (2021/2022)
- Created accessibility standards and practices for all galleries.
- Primary contact and worked in partnership with Maryland State Arts Council
Owner and Lead Photographer
Gillette Portrait Arts
09.2005 - Current
- Owner, operator, and head photographer of a studio specializing in commercial, event, and editorial photography
- Managed the writing and content of a high volume blog while launching several successful social media campaigns.
- Coordinated and led all related education from basic photography and darkroom procedures to digital photography and Adobe Creative Suite technology
- Managed staff of up to 7 photographers and administrative personnel
- Organized and scheduled all client meetings and correspondence
- Managed all studio marketing and promotion
- Managed all client contracting and invoicing
Education
Master of Arts - Photography
Maryland Institute College of Art
Baltimore, MDSkills
- 17 years of event creation, execution, and management
- 15 years of exhibit curation and creative collaboration
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficient in Past Perfect
- Certification for the National Association for Interpretation
- 30 years of photography experience and teaching
- Proficient in Wordpress and all social media platforms
- Proficient in iMovie and Canva
Affiliations
National Association for Interpretation 2023
Professional Photographers of America 2004 - current
Timeline
Curator and Folklife Program Director of MESC
Salisbury University
04.2023 - Current
Curator and Folklife Program Director
The Ward Museum, Salisbury University
01.2020 - 03.2023
Owner and Lead Photographer
Gillette Portrait Arts
09.2005 - Current
Master of Arts - Photography
Maryland Institute College of Art
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