Samantha Barnes is a member of the Cherokee nation and local Oklahoman, who is interested in museum studies and art history. She attended Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma before transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma where she is pursuing her master’s degree. While at UCO, Samantha worked with the Edmond History Museum, assisting with the installation, and dismantling of exhibits and had the opportunity to design her own exhibit.
As an intern in the Leaning and Community Engagement, Samantha works with the Tulsa community in various outreach programs that help educate and engage students and families. Gilcrease in Your Neighborhood is one public program that brings art directly to the people. Replicas of Gilcrease Museum artwork can be found in outdoor parks and trails throughout the city.
The goal is for adults to enjoy discovering art in nature, while children are encouraged to use activity guides found online or on-site. This is especially important to Samantha because she believes that museums provide a lifelong learning experience outside of everyday settings, such as a classroom, and allows families to learn together.
If she were to give advice to someone wanting to work in a museum, Samantha would say to keep an open mind and try to branch out as you intern, so you can get as much experience as possible.
Although Samantha’s ultimate goal is to become a curator, she chose to intern in the Learning and Community Engagement department because she wants to help students learn about their culture and the cultures around them so that she can reach members of the public that may not otherwise visit Gilcrease Museum.