Why did you decide to enroll in Summer Institute?

I decided to enroll in Summer Institute because I’ve always known I wanted to work in the art market, and this program felt like a perfect transition into that world. I wanted the chance to learn directly from instructors with professional experience in the art world who are now dedicated to conveying their wisdom to students like me. I also knew that enrolling in Summer Institute meant that I would meet other students my age who shared the same passion for art. I’ve always been drawn to the way that art can move people and was certain that I wanted to dedicate myself to a career where I could be surrounded by art. Summer Institute gave me the opportunity to begin that journey in a real and meaningful way.

Which course did you enroll in and why?

I enrolled in Art Markets in Action: Galleries/Auction Houses. The first week focused on the buying and selling of artworks in auction houses, while the second week introduced us to galleries of all scales—from small independent ones to mid-tier and blue-chip galleries. I chose this course because I am captivated by Sotheby’s auctions and look up to auctioneers like Phyllis Kao. The energy and demand of an auction fascinate me, and by watching Sotheby’s auctions at home, I saw the incredible power art holds, not only as an object, but also as an experience. I also see myself working in a client-facing role in the future, so exploring both the auction house and gallery sides of the market gave me the perfect foundation for where I imagine myself one day.

What significance does studying in New York City hold for you, and what was the most interesting thing you learned or experienced during your time there?

Studying in New York City was a dream come true—it honestly felt like I was living in a movie. I quickly realized that in New York, there’s art everywhere you look. Every time we went on a site visit, we would pass by so many different galleries, artist studios, and other creative spaces that weren’t even the place we were headed. The city is a hub of creativity; it’s where artists come to create, where new ideas are constantly born, and where the market is alive. One of the most fascinating things I learned during my time in the city is how psychological the auction world is. From the way an auctioneer phrases their words to how an estimate is presented, small details can completely shift the way a client responds and how much an artwork sells for.

Describe your favorite day of the program. Where did you go and who did you meet?

My favorite day of the program was our visit to Sotheby’s auction house. Walking up to the building and seeing the Sotheby’s logo gave me goosebumps and was a surreal moment. My class toured the Contemporary sale with Keith Label, a contemporary art specialist, who explained each artwork in the sale and his thought process behind its curation. We then entered the famous auction room itself, which was incredible. I even got to stand behind the auctioneer’s podium! In the auction room, my class participated in a Q&A with professionals from private sales, finance, and marketing, where we were able to ask questions and hear about their experiences firsthand. That evening, I returned to Sotheby’s with the entire program for the Artist Speaker Series, where we listened to painter Bony Ramirez speak about his creative process. Hearing his perspective was especially meaningful because it reminded me that beyond the market there is always the artist and story behind the work.

What was your day-to-day experience like?

My day-to-day experience was a wonderful mix of structure and exploration. In the mornings, I would grab breakfast at the dining hall or nearby café before heading to class at 9:30. Each morning began with a lecture, where I would take notes and develop my final project: in week one, a proposal to acquire works from a museum collection to sell at auction; in week two, a proposal for a booth at an art fair.

At 12:30 we broke for lunch, which usually meant walking around the city with friends to try a new restaurant. In the afternoons, we often had site visits to locations such as Pace Gallery and David Zwirner Gallery. After class ended around 4:30, I’d go back to the dorm to work on my final project and then head out again for evening activities. Some nights I joined organized events such as movie nights or a book crawl around the city, and other nights my friends and I explored and went to the Brooklyn pier.

How did your experience at Summer Institute influence your perspective on your future studies or career path?

My experience at Summer Institute completely solidified my decision to pursue a career in the art world. Speaking with professionals from Sotheby’s and different galleries confirmed that I want to study art history in college, just like them, and eventually pursue a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute. I also realized that the auction house side of the art market is where I see myself thriving the most. It’s fast-paced, client-facing, and always evolving. This exciting and dynamic atmosphere is one I strive to be a part of, and Summer Institute allowed me to understand not just that I want to work in art, but where in the art world I truly belong.

Do you have any advice for future Summer Institute students?

Fully put yourself out there. Take every opportunity to introduce yourself to the professionals you meet, ask questions, and be open to learning about areas of the art world you might not have considered before. You’ll be surprised at how much your perspective can grow. I would also encourage students to cherish the friendships they make during the program. Some of my closest friends today are people I met at Summer Institute—we talk every day and are already planning to reunite despite living in different parts of the country. These connections are special, and they all started because of a shared love of art, which proves how powerful art is in bringing people together.

@moras.art.journal Day in the life at Sotheby’s Pre-College in NYC! It was so much fun being a part of the Auctionhouse and Galleries course🎨🌃 #sothebys #sothebysinstitute #auction #gallery #pacegallery #dayinmylife #nyc @pacegalleries @Sotheby’s @Sotheby’s Institute ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz