This month’s Alumni Spotlight comes to us from Cleveland. Kelley Notaro Schreiber is a former KMA intern who is now using her skills post graduation in a similar fashion at the Cleveland Museum of Art!
First, please introduce yourself and give us some background information on who you are and what you do.
My name is Kelley Notaro Schreiber, and I’m the Communications and Media Relations Manager at the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). In my role, I work with local, national and international media to tell stories about the institution. At my job, no day is the same, and that’s something I love, because it makes things very exciting. One day you can find me at my desk drafting a press release about an exhibition, and the next, I could be coordinating an interview with The New York Times or CBS Sunday Morning about a new groundbreaking exhibition or program. Prior to my role at the CMA, I was the Public Relations Assistant at the Kennedy Museum of Art while attending Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
If you are an artist, how would you describe your creative process? Alternatively, how would you describe your professional activities.
I’m not an artist, but I’ve always appreciated art. The CMA’s encyclopedic collection is renowned and features artworks from across all time periods, so I get to see and learn about many genres. As someone who is in the communications field, it’s important to stay up to date on my skills. Therefore, my professional activities include networking with colleagues to stay current on media trends and story pitching techniques. In addition, I’ll take refresher courses in journalism to keep my newswriting, pitching and professional development sharp.
How has COVID-19 impacted your creative process, career, or education?
Because of COVID-19, we have been working from home for the last 10 months. I’m the kind of person who thrives on a routine, so this wasn’t the easiest transition for me. I’ve since adjusted, but at first, I found it difficult to focus on writing assignments and other projects that involved creative thinking. I certainly enjoy not having to drive to and from the office now, and I love that I have extra time to spend with my children.
Who/What inspires you?
My children and my husband really inspire me to be the best version of myself. My husband is very encouraging and supports the work that I do. When I look at my children, it motivates me to continue working hard, so that I can set a good example for them as they get older.
What experiences have you had with the Kennedy Museum of Art? How have your experiences at the Kennedy impacted you?
During my time at the Kennedy Museum of Art, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of promotional tools to generate awareness of programs and exhibitions. On any given day, I’d write 4 exhibition press releases to pitch to media, draft an e-newsletter about an upcoming discussion or share updates on the museum’s social media platforms. The range of assignments allowed me to dabble in a variety of different communication areas. These experiences helped shape my love for media relations and are why I decided to pursue it as a career path.
What role do you believe an academic museum like the Kennedy plays in a community like Athens? How do you think the community benefits from the museum?
Art museums provide peace and help people find clarity, especially in times of uncertainty. While we are in the thick of a global pandemic, art museums continue to serve as creative outlets for so many people on-site and virtually. Being an academic museum with a teaching mission, the Kennedy Museum of Art provides students and community members with so many opportunities to learn something new, whether it’s a hands-on experience, concert or performance, exhibition or lecture, there are so many resources available for the community to take advantage of.
Is there a piece or artifact in the Kennedy’s collection that is your favorite? Why?
I love Pop Art, so I enjoy Roy Lichtenstein’s Still Life with Portrait, from Six Still Lifes. Lichtenstein was a leading figure of this art movement, and I love that it blends mass media with pop culture.
To learn more about the Kennedy Art Museum please check out our virtual portal at https://www.ohio.edu/museum. Here you can check out our collection and current exhibitions. To check out other blog posts go to https://kennedymuseum.blog. Finally, feel free to follow us on Instagram at @KennedyMuseumArtEdu or Twitter at @KennedyMuseum. We also have a Facebook page titled Kennedy Museum of Art Experiences Group.
KENNEDY MUSEUM OF ART at Ohio University 
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