Summary
Overview
Education
Work History
Skills
Research
Exhibitions Publications
Awards
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sarah McFalls

Pittsfield,Ma
Sarah McFalls

Summary

Bridging art, history, and diverse audiences through meaningful experiences is my passion. From welcoming guests to unlocking the stories within art, I create transparent and inclusive encounters that resonate. My research in material culture deepens my understanding of art and individuals across contexts, connecting us to broader cultural narratives. This unique blend of skills, experience, and passion makes me a confident candidate.

Overview

20
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education

Education

University College London London

Master of Science from Cultural Anthropology
08.2012 - 01.2014

University Overview

  • Honed critical thinking & communication through diverse research (e.g., "Harry Potter Fandom", "Cities Methodologies"), co-authoring a guidebook, and international collaboration on "Properties" project.
  • Demonstrated successful teamwork and innovative display methods under Dr. Gaye Sculthorpe, impacting fields like physical activity and sustainable art practices.
  • Eager to utilize multifaceted skills in research and future endeavors, making a meaningful impact.

Elmira College Elmira, NY

Master of Arts from Cultural Anthropology & Fine Arts
08.2004 - 06.2008

University Overview

  • Double major fuses artistic vision with global awareness: Explored artistic evolution, documented India's Graffiti art scene, and showcased diverse creative styles, garnering recognition and honing transferable skills for future impact.
  • Honed skills through diverse research experiences, effectively communicating findings in engaging formats, and collaborating successfully on multi-faceted projects.
  • Utilize strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills to make a meaningful impact in future endeavors.

Work History

CRAFTSTAY CORPORATE HOUSING

Housing & Guest Relations Manager
07.2019 - Current

Job overview

Managed Guest relations and housing operations, solved problems, built industry partnerships, and exceeded guest expectations through efficient processes and strong communication.

SELF-EMPLOYED

Nanny
01.2012 - 07.2019

Job overview

Nurtured children 6-11 across 3 families, fostering growth & independence through routines, positive guidance, & creative exploration in a nurturing, empathetic environment.

SELF-EMPLOYED

Visual Designer
01.2012 - 01.2014

Job overview

Created captivating designs tailored to it's audience, using traditional & digital tools to add warmth & personality

DR. AUGGIE'S WORKSHOP with Lisa Provencher

Intern
04.2012 - 06.2012

Job overview

Co-created science adventures: Art, nature, & tech sparked curiosity for 13 students per session, attracting new participants with innovative & engaging approaches.

FAIRFIELD APARTMENTS

Renovation Coordinator and Housing Manager
06.2009 - 03.2012

Job overview

Led budget-friendly renovation, managed seamless rentals, & optimized operations for happy tenants.

CANYON RANCH

Guest Service/ Cultural Coordinator
01.2004 - 01.2012

Job overview

Crafted unforgettable cultural experiences for guests, blending data & personalization: VIP access, gourmet touches, & private tours exceeded expectations.

Mesconte Sculpting Studio

Administrative & Artist Assistant
07.2010 - 12.2010

Job overview

Market Research, prepped, and contributed to sculptures, honing skills from start to finish.

Berkshire Museum

Intern
06.2008 - 11.2008

Job overview

Grant writing, exhibition support, communication & records, honed diverse skills while aiding management.

Andrew DeVries

Artist Assistant
06.2008 - 08.2008

Job overview

Supported artist's vision, tackled diverse tasks (creation, documentation, administration, community building), gained holistic art experience.

Elmira College

Photography Lab Assistant & Tutor
01.2008 - 06.2008

Job overview

Ensured smooth operations, guided students, and fostered a supportive learning environment through technical expertise and communication.

Elmira College

American Art Tutor
01.2006 - 06.2008

Job overview

Adaptive tutor by making tailored sessions, fostered creativity, empowered students through skills & community.

Elmira College

Printmaking Assistant
01.2006 - 01.2007

Job overview

Ensured smooth operations, maintained a tidy environment, prepared materials, and supported students for a fruitful learning experience.

George Waters Art Gallery

Exhibition Installer
01.2005 - 01.2008

Job overview

Mastered exhibition installations from concept to dismantling, ensuring safety, flow, and impactful presentation through precise artwork placement and optimal selection.

Skills

Microsoft Suite

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Research

Research
  • 2013 Masters Dissertation - Harry Potter Fandom: A Breakdown of the Material Network of Experience
  • 2013 CMD Practical Project on Ethnographic display methods - Dr. Gaye Sculthorpe, Curator of the Oceania, Africa and Americas collections at the British Museum, mentored our process of how to display ethnographic objects in more experiential and experimental ways
  • 2013 Young Foundation Project - Investigating the changing levels of physical activity as young people move from school to university
  • 2013 Cities Methodologies Urban Lab Exhibition - CMD Exhibit organizer of group work presenting mobility research through videos, sketches, and photography
  • 2013 ReARTiculate: A Public Matter - Exhibit Fundraiser and Artist- Focuses on sustainable art that uses all recycled materials, as well as workshops that promote sustainable art activities/ ideas in daily life
  • 2012-2013 Properties Project with UCL Anthropology Department & Massey University Design Program (New Zealand) - Researching what the term 'Properties' means in conjunction with Oceanic artifacts that have presumably lost portions of their provenance
  • 2009 Prague, Czech Republic - A study of Czech Art from the mid-19th century through the end of WWII.
  • 2008 New York City 'Project Dumbo' - Conducted by Professor and Artist Marc Dennis; experiencing the art world by not only being immersed with museum, gallery and artist visits but also experiencing the challenges of being an artist, by producing and selling our own work while there.
  • 2008 Senior Portfolio- Having produced two portfolios; the Photography collection was a study of everyday experiences cast in extreme low light atmospheres. The Mixed Media Collection was about the process of incorporating everyday imagery with intentional experimental mark making.
  • 2008 Senior Anthropology Qualitative Research - Studied and photographically documented the personal aesthetics of a variety of students, studying different beauty concepts to see where beauty significance is formed within society and where our own personal views fall between the material and the abstract.
  • 2007 Rājasthān, Northern India - Researched and photographed graffiti as a modern voice of the people
  • 2005 London, England - Researched the continual progression of still life art from antiquity to modern.

Exhibitions Publications

Exhibitions Publications
  • 2013- ReARTiculate: A Public Matter Exhibition at the Bermondsey Project Gallery space in London, UK
  • 2013- Cities Methodologies Urban Lab Exhibition at the UCL Slade Research Center in London, UK
  • 2013- UCL 'Properties Project' Research Guide Book in London, UK Properties and Social Imagination
  • 2009- Canyon Ranch Employee Art Exhibition in Lenox, Ma
  • 2008- Senior Elmira College Qualitative Research Forum in Elmira, NY
  • 2008- Senior Exhibition at the Elmira College George Waters Gallery in Elmira, NY
  • 2008- Student Exhibition at Superfine in Brooklyn, NY
  • 2008- Published Art in Callisophia- The Elmira College Journal of Feminist Thought and Ideas; Elmira, NY
  • 2007-2008 Annual Arts of the Southern Finger Lakes Gallery 'Small Works' show in Corning, NY
  • 2004-2008 Annual Spring Student show at the Elmira College George Waters Gallery in Elmira, NY
  • 2004-2008 Annual Fall Student show at the Elmira College George Waters Gallery in Elmira, NY

Awards

Awards
  • 2012 UCL Gay Clifford scholarship
  • 2009 Winner of the STA Travel Photography Contest
  • 2008 The Helen Hitchcock Bjorvand Drawing prize
  • 2008 Elmira College Benjamin Honors Scholar
  • 2007 Lambda Alpha Honors Society (Anthropology)
  • 2006 Mary-Lou Parrella Art Prize for talented undergraduate Art student
  • 2004 Elmira College Presidential Scholarship
  • 2004 City of Pittsfield Scholarship

Timeline

Housing & Guest Relations Manager
CRAFTSTAY CORPORATE HOUSING
07.2019 - Current
University College London
Master of Science from Cultural Anthropology
08.2012 - 01.2014
Intern
DR. AUGGIE'S WORKSHOP with Lisa Provencher
04.2012 - 06.2012
Nanny
SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2012 - 07.2019
Visual Designer
SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2012 - 01.2014
Administrative & Artist Assistant
Mesconte Sculpting Studio
07.2010 - 12.2010
Renovation Coordinator and Housing Manager
FAIRFIELD APARTMENTS
06.2009 - 03.2012
Intern
Berkshire Museum
06.2008 - 11.2008
Artist Assistant
Andrew DeVries
06.2008 - 08.2008
Photography Lab Assistant & Tutor
Elmira College
01.2008 - 06.2008
American Art Tutor
Elmira College
01.2006 - 06.2008
Printmaking Assistant
Elmira College
01.2006 - 01.2007
Exhibition Installer
George Waters Art Gallery
01.2005 - 01.2008
Elmira College
Master of Arts from Cultural Anthropology & Fine Arts
08.2004 - 06.2008
Guest Service/ Cultural Coordinator
CANYON RANCH
01.2004 - 01.2012
Sarah McFalls