Grace Bowen traveled to New York City during the summer of 2013 for an internship at the High Line. She shares her experience below.

Grace Bowen

Major: Industrial Design
Minor: Studio Art
Rank: 3rd year (2nd year in Design)
Employer: Friends of the High Line
Division: Art Department
Location: New York, NY
Title: Art Production Intern

What did you work on?

I assisted the Art Production Manager to maintain any sculpture, installation, video, sound, or performance pieces that are currently on the High Line and to help plan for future works.

How has your major program and your time at Ohio State prepared you for this internship?

Design has taught me how to problem-solve and work in groups. This became very important on a day-to-day basis when the Art Production Manager and I brainstormed how to fix any problems that would come up. In these situations it was very important to communicate effectively. My studio art minor helped me to understand the artist's works and the materials that they were made of in order to provide the care that they needed.

What kind of impact do you hope to make through this internship?

I was lucky enough to see my impact on a day-to-day basis. I made sure this beautiful public park was clean and orderly and people were able to enjoy the works of art as much as possible. I interacted with people daily about the pieces and was happy to be able to answer any of their questions about the park or the works of art.

What did you gain from the experience that will be valuable to you in the future?

I got a first hand view of what art production is, how to work for a public park and non-profit organization, and a view into the New York gallery scene, all of which I may be interested in pursuing in the future. I also gained satisfaction in knowing that my help was valuable to an organization that not only means a lot to me, but also to New York City and the world. According to Travel + Leisure magazine it is one of the top ten world's most popular landmarks.

What was your favorite part of the internship?

My fondest moment would probably be working in the third section of the "Line." It is unfinished and currently open only for private tours of a series of sculptures by Carol Bove called Caterpillar. There has been little human influence in that section of the rails over the past 30 years. Because of this there are natural habitats that are probably the wildest one could experience in New York City.

How did you find out about this internship?

I found out about this internship from a family friend who is on the board of the Friends of the High Line, and was instrumental in founding the High Line and the High Line Art Department. He arranged for me to interview with the Art Production Manager.

What advice would you give students who are considering an internship?

Send applications everywhere you may be remotely interested in and don't be afraid to use your connections. Be open to new experiences, always work hard and be professional.