Leanne O'Donnell
HELLO I'M LEANNE
Art Marketer, Learner, Communicator
ABOUT
WRITING PORTFOLIO
Here are personal writing samples that demostrate my art history field knowledge as well as my ability to adeptly write in the various genres needed in the art business industry.
ABOUT ME
I believe art is integral to preserving cultural identity. Art gives viewers a snapshot of the artist's culture and translates diverse worldviews across cultures. Visual art transcends language and time barriers and communicates directly to human emotion across the world. Through experiences in diverse art institutions, I learned that I want to assist in the cultural preservation and movement of ideas inherent to the visual arts through an art business career. In this career, I will facilitate the movement of art and ideas through the art market and community.
I have participated in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors of the art industry. Through my internship in the Education Department of the Kimbell Art Museum, I created and catered educational materials to best communicate to various demographics. Collaborations with other departments also allowed me to study the museum institution, and the process of forming and maintaining a collection, organizing an exhibition, and meeting the educational requirements of the public. I studied the for-profit sector through academic experiences, my internship in the Heritage Auctions Fine & Decorative Arts Department, and participation in the DFW arts community. These experiences have taught me the intricacies of art business and law, building a diverse sale, meeting the needs and expectations of clients, and forming relationships with a client base.
WHAT I'VE DONE
I continue to work as an intern in the Heritage Auctions Fine & Decorative Arts Department where I help organize fine art auctions. I also actively seek learning opportunities in the DFW museum and gallery community by talking with successful art business professionals, and attending events, lectures, and educational programs. Additionally, I am completing an undergraduate thesis that analyzes the genre of auction catalog writing, an integral marketing tool for auction houses. This study combines all of my academic interests, including a double major in art history and writing and a minor in arts administration, and will allow me to create future catalogs that entice viewers and serve as a sales catalyst.
WHAT I DO
This is a writing genre analysis of insurance appraisal documents conducted by a certified appraiser. This formal report displays my ability to analytically break down and answer a problem, and to identify client or other 3rd party needs.
This is a visual analysis of Bonington’s painting The Grand Canal, Venice, Looking Toward the Rialto. This formal analysis illustrates my ability to draw conclusions about a piece from only a viewing.
This is a series of short artist biographies that I wrote for the Heritage Auctions website. These essays display my knowledge of artists from diverse movements and knowledge what clients look for when educating themselves about artists.
