My fellowship position began two weeks early due to a scheduling conflict and my first week at the McConnell Arts Center involved a short orientation, then jumping right to work. The first day began with a building tour directed by the MAC’s Programming Director, Michelle. I got set up with my laptop and made sure I was able to log into the MAC network and all the programs that I will need. I met the rest of the full-time staff then Michelle and our Development Director, Kim, took me out to lunch! When we got back from lunch, I went through the calendar to schedule my hours for the summer around the various programs and events, dependent upon where I was needed. Scheduling flexibility is important at the MAC, as there are only six full-time staff members who put on festivals, organize summer camps, host art classes, and maintain a gallery.

The role I take on at the MAC involves assisting the staff in a variety of ways, primarily focusing on programming events such as our Summer Outdoor Series, Worthington Arts Festival, and Camp Creativity – our summer camp. The rest of the week I learned the various programs that the staff uses and began to create social media posts which promote the MAC. I also started the preparation for Camp Creativity by curating an instructor supply list and updating counselor contracts. Toward the end of the week, we sat down for a staff meeting with the Director of Operations, who recently left his position at the MAC, to ask any questions regarding previous events and information we may need in his absence. Additionally, he ran us through previous procedure and details of the upcoming Worthington Arts Festival, hosted by the MAC. This meeting gave me a first glimpse at all the intricate planning involved in hosting large events, most of which I previously would not have thought of.

Despite being stretched thin, everyone at the MAC made sure to express their desire to prioritize my takeaway from this fellowship, rather than putting me to work doing undesirable or menial tasks. The staff’s thoughtful and welcoming instruction made for a great first week at the McConnell Arts Center!