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Meet the interns, part two

Malu Marzarotto

Dec 13, 2018

Zoë Zwegat and Ebony Bailey, interns at the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University for the 2018-19 school year

Malu Marzarotto, Public and University Programs intern, spoke to other Wex interns about what it’s like to work among contemporary art, curators, and the mix of 250+ programs per year. Here's the second of two segments to spotlight a few that are with us for 2018-19. Check out the first part here.

Malu is a fourth-year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University studying Arts Management in the Department of Arts Administration, Education, and Policy with minors in Leadership Studies and Studio Art. She is involved on campus as an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences, a Morrill Scholar, and a member of A.R.O.U.S.E., Ohio State’s College Radio.  Following graduation this fall, Malu plans to work full-time at her co-founded design studio, Marcd. 

Zoë Zwegat, Institutional Advancement Intern

Zoë Zwegat, an intern at the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University for the 2018-19 school year, standing in front of a tableau by artist Mickalene Thomas

What drew you to an internship at the Wex?
I have worked in various development offices in the arts and higher education, but never at such a unique arts institution like the Wex. I was excited to learn more about the activities of a center that is focused on multidisciplinary contemporary art and takes pride in supporting and showcasing new work.

Tell us about the aspects of your internship that you enjoy the most. 
The aspect I most enjoy about my internship is the opportunity to better understand the Wex’s programming and featured artists through my work helping to write letters to donors and legislators, researching and writing award nominations, and reviewing grant applications. It has made me appreciate the diverse amount of programming that takes place on a weekly basis and the positive impact the Wex has on the university community and beyond.

Where’s your favorite spot in the building and why?
My favorite spot in the building is the black box, or Performance Space. It is such a versatile room and allows Wex curators and staff the opportunity to showcase a number of different performances and events. It is also tucked away in the back of the building, so it almost feels like a well-kept secret unless you have the opportunity to experience a performance in the space.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of school and work?
It should come as no surprise that I love art and I try to take advantage of visiting different art museums, organizations, and festivals whenever possible. I also enjoy watching sports and can be found cheering on all Ohio State teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Cleveland Indians, and the Columbus Crew on any given weekend or weeknight (when they are in season, of course!) My fiancé and I also like exploring different restaurants and neighborhoods in Columbus, as we are not originally from here.

 

Ebony Bailey, Shumate African American Outreach and Engagement Council Intern

Ebony Bailey, an intern at the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University for the 2018-19 school year, standing in front of a wall mural by artist Mickalene Thomas

What drew you to an internship at the Wex?
My work has been significantly shaped by art and literature. After deciding to pursue a master’s degree in English, I was looking for a way to continue my involvement with the Arts. An internship at The Wexner Center was an ideal opportunity. I wanted to experience the Wex from the inside out and help with Wex programming. With the Wex internship, I am able to do just that and much more.

Tell us about the aspects of your internship that you enjoy the most.
I am absolutely ecstatic that I am able to combine my background in African American literature, Studio Art, and Narrative Theory for my Wex internship. I recently conducted a workshop session on art, narrative, and African American literary theory for the Pages program. I loved conversing with artists and high school teachers about how they combine, deconstruct, and reimagine all three in the classroom and studio.

Where’s your favorite spot in the building and why?
My favorite space is Mickalene Thomas’s exhibition, I Can’t See You Without Me. The last gallery, inspired by Thomas’s current partner and collaborator Racquel, is a space of rumination for me. There, I can contemplate each moment of the show.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of school and work?
Outside of school and work, I dance—at my desk, in the car, on my walk to campus, and everywhere else in between. I love watching endless YouTube videos of dance performances and participating in dance classes. I mainly enjoy freestyle and contemporary dance.

 

Images of this week's interns were captured in the galleries by Melissa Starker.