Why did you decide to enroll in Summer Institute?

I decided to enroll in Summer Institute because as a fine arts major, I’ve always been passionate about the creative side of art, but I also wanted to understand the business that supports it. I was curious about how the art world really operates beyond the studio, and Summer Institute felt like the perfect place to explore that intersection. The program offered the perfect chance to connect my artistic background with real-world knowledge about the art industry, helping me see how I could turn my passion into a future career.

Which course did you enroll in and why?

I enrolled in the Art Business course. As someone who has always been drawn to the creative process, I was curious about what happens beyond art making—how artworks move through the market and gain value.

The course explored everything from the structure of auction houses to the strategies behind galleries, collectors, and art advisors. It revealed the complex systems that keep the art world running, and I found that fascinating.

What I loved most was how the program made these big ideas accessible and real through site visits and discussions with industry professionals. It gave me a much clearer sense of direction and made me realize that I want to pursue a career where I can bridge creativity with business, possibly in art management, advising, or luxury branding.

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?

Growing up in New York, I thought I knew the city inside and out, but studying here through Summer Institute showed me an entirely new side of it. Every lesson and site visit revealed a hidden layer of the art world that I had never experienced before. From stepping into artists’ studios to visiting galleries and auction houses, it was such a cool feeling to experience the city I’ve known my whole life from a completely different perspective—not just as the place I grew up in but as an environment of creativity, business, and culture.

I honestly think everyone should be exposed to New York’s art scene, whether they live here or not, because there’s no other place where art, culture, and business come together with that same kind of energy. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how much artistry and strategy coexist in this city, and it reminded me why New York is truly the center of the art world.

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

It’s honestly hard to pick a favorite day because every day of the program was so inspiring, but if I had to choose, it would be the day we visited the Guggenheim to see Rashid Johnson’s show. The exhibition was incredible. Everything from the curation to the actual artworks felt so intentional and emotional. You could really feel Johnson’s intellectual process expressed through each piece. One of my favorites was Death by Black Hole (The Crisis), which was not only visually stunning but also very moving.

The best part was that we actually ran into Rashid Johnson himself that day, and totally by chance! It felt like one of those unplanned New York moments that make the city and this program so special.

What was your day-to-day experience like?

My days were always packed with new exciting experiences. We’d start class around 9:30 A.M., learning about different parts of the art business, from galleries and art fairs to museums and auction houses.

Then, around noon after our lessons, we’d go on field trips that connected directly to what we were learning. One of my favorites was visiting Sotheby’s auction house right after a lesson about how auction houses work. It connected everything we discussed in class to the real dynamics of the art market.

By around 4:30, we’d return to campus. Since I was a day student, I usually stopped by a nearby café to work on assignments before joining friends for evening activities like trivia nights or scavenger hunts. It was such a fun balance of learning, exploring, and connecting with people who shared the same interests.

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

Going into the program, I felt uncertain about how to turn my love for art into a future career. I knew art would be part of my life, but I didn’t yet know what form that would take. I also didn’t realize how many different paths there were in the art world.

Summer Institute gave me the clarity I needed. It allowed me to dive deeply into the art business, understand the industry’s structure, and envision my place within it. I left feeling inspired and sure that this was the right direction for me. I now plan to study art history at university and pursue a career in the art industry, carrying with me the sense of purpose Sotheby’s Institute helped me find.

Do you have any advice for future Summer Institute students?

My biggest piece of advice is to never shy away from asking questions, no matter how small they might seem. Curiosity is such an important part of the Summer Institute experience, and you’ll get so much more out of it when you’re open and engaged. Don’t be afraid to start conversations, even with people who might seem intimidating at first. Everyone there shares the same passion for art and creativity.

And above all, have fun and be yourself. You’ll make the best out of the experience that way. I left Summer Institute not only with new knowledge but with lifelong friendships and memories I’ll cherish forever.