Artist Spotlight

Gabe & Ingrid

Ingrid mural painting. Photo by Melissa Kelly.

Gabe tufting at co-creation night. Photo by Melissa Kelly.

Ministry of Awe has the pleasure of partnering with the Bloomberg Arts Internship program, a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors in Philadelphia. Interns are paired with local arts and culture organizations to gain real-world work experience while participating in professional development sessions and cultural immersion activities.

This summer we were so fortunate to work with two incredible interns: Gabe and Ingrid! Before they leave us to prepare for the new school year, we asked them to reflect upon their time immersed in the creative chaos that is the MoA art team.

What skills have you developed or improved during this internship?

Gabe: Mural work has been the biggest takeaway. It’s been the most technical and meaningful. I’ve painted up to six feet before, which was difficult, but this is different because you really don't know what it looks like up close. You have to step 20 feet back to remember what you're doing. 

Ingrid: My confidence in networking in a professional creative world and being able to voice my thoughts and ideas. Also working in a team, running events and mural work. 

What surprised you about the day-to-day work in this setting?

Gabe: I didn’t know I would be working in a warehouse, which was cool. I had no idea what the Ministry of Awe was initially, so I didn’t know what to expect. It’s one of the coolest concepts I’ve ever seen. 

Ingrid: Everyone here is so nice and interested in being friends. It feels fun! I missed it when I was gone for a week. I don’t think everyone feels this way about work. 

Did this internship influence the direction you want to take with your own art or career path?

Gabe: While I want to do animation work primarily, I learned the importance of building my skills in more traditional artistic practices too. 

Ingrid: This internship has given me the confidence to pursue a professional artistic job that could be meaningful. It made me expand my thinking of what being a working artist could mean. I want to work for another artist like Meg.

What did you learn from the artists or professionals you worked with?

Gabe: I learned what it takes to be a good leader. Audrey (Ministry of Awe’s studio manager) taught me specifically about how important an individual connection is with everyone. Leadership at MoA is the most admirable part. 

Ingrid: I learned from Audrey the importance of organization and also bringing the team together. From Meg, I learned to follow your passion, to find what’s inspiring to you, and to keep following that.

How did collaboration play a role in your internship experience?

Gabe: Collaboration was in everything! I don’t think I did a single project alone and I usually do everything alone. You gain so much from being around other people. You learn about them, about work, about life. 

Ingrid: Meg is always emphasizing the team. Everyone may have different roles, but we’re all working towards a greater collective goal. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time here?

Gabe: I’m very proud of the objects I painted. I didn’t realize I was so good at fine detail. 

Ingrid: All the paintings I did, specifically working on the mural for The Heavens. Making the connections I did and enjoying myself, pushing myself, and showing myself what I can do every day. I found my confidence and I know I could do this for real. 

What areas do you still want to improve in?

Gabe: Being able to get along with just about everyone. Not necessarily an artist skill but definitely a part of working in the arts. 

Ingrid: I want to work on putting my own art out and to explore everything that's available as an artist. 

What’s “awe-inspiring” to you?

Gabe: An unfinished painting. Unfinished pieces are the most inspiring to me because everyone works differently. Being able to see how other people work is the most fun thing about working in any artistic space. 

Ingrid: Nature inspires awe in me, love inspires awe, friendship—seeing other people’s passion is inspiring. Creating my own art and being able to bring my vision to life.