Erin Hicks

• Coordinates online non-credit professional development certificate in informal or Free-Choice Learning (FCL) developed by museum education researchers Dr. John Falk and Dr. Lynn Dierking
• Instructs courses: Personal Dimensions of FCL, Physical Dimensions of FCL, Sociocultural Dimensions of FCL, Developing Effective Evaluation Studies, and Developing STEAM Curriculum
• Strategizes marketing of certificate to professionals working/volunteering in FCL settings; researched trends in online professional development to increase student enrollment, engagement, and completion

• Reported to and worked with the Board of Directors regarding fiscal and administrative leadership during transition of the Fort de Buade Museum to the Straits Cultural Center
• Fundraised during public phase of capital campaign for renovation of new building including installation of permanent exhibit of regional historical and Native American artifacts
• Teamed with Bookkeeper, Board Treasurer, and an external accounting firm to maintain financial records, devise an annual operating budget, and identify short-term/long-term strategic financial goals
• Assigned and supervised work duties of Curator/Collections Manager, Bookkeeper, and retail staff
• Collaborated with external grant writer to find grant funding opportunities from governmental and foundational granting agencies to support operations and capital campaign which resulted in awards from the NEH, NEA, and IMLS Cares Act American Rescue Plan funding
• Recognized and nurtured relationships with collections donors and directed the Collections Committee to ensure new acquisitions were properly assessed, accessioned, conserved, and cataloged
• Liaised with staff Curator/Collections Manager to ensure federal Native American Graves Protection Act (NAGPRA) requirements were continuously met in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the City of St. Ignace, and The Museum of Ojibwa Culture
• Coordinated planning and packing of collections for eventual move to new facility upon opening which included Tribal consultation for appropriate handling, moving, and storage of Native American artifacts
• Developed and scheduled online programs, virtual exhibits, resources, and activities that furthered the mission and benefited the diverse Great Lakes community of year-round residents and visiting tourists.

• Managed small historical museum operations (housed within a four-branch public library system) accompanied by a Pennsylvania Room: a regional history research facility
• Managed collections of 8,000 artifacts as per the Collections Management Policy which included maintaining records and inventory, developing policies, accepting donations, administering loans, as well as recommending items for conservation, digitization, or de-accessioning
• Maintained exhibit galleries and monitored environmental conditions of collections storage areas
• Fostered outreaching relationships with the local community, local-historical agencies, and area museums for mutual benefit via collections research, long-term loans, and disaster preparedness
• Developed and delivered educational programming such as Preserving Your Family Heritage, How to Read a Photograph (webinar), The Miles-Potter-Humes House History (webinar), and tours of the 200-year-old home located in the Bellefonte Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Supervised one 20 hr. per week volunteer Collections Assistant, trained 15-20 museum and library volunteers, and supervised five undergraduate and graduate museum interns
• Aided on-site researchers with reference questions and conducted remote paid research requests

Abstract visual artwork inspired by meditation, motivated by exploration, and created by expression. Mixed media sculptural painting, digital painting, collage, monotype printmaking, altered books, and card design produced in personal studio. Research interests include exploring the creative process of artists, nurturing a personal practice of art-making, and learning visually through expression.

• Cross-functioned on community outreach project collaboratively researched by area high school students to conserve an early 1800s map
• Interpreted various book and paper conservation methods including binding, sewing, and handmade papermaking to visitors via table-top demonstration stations
• Applied conservation treatments to maps and bound materials accessioned into Penn State University Libraries Special Collections

Art direction and implementation of museum visual identity during multi-phase marketing and rebranding process. Development, design, and production of all graphic marketing materials as necessary for exhibit, event, and education departments. Liaison for cross-sector collaborations with community curators and organizations resulting in exhibitions, shared marketing, and increased community engagement. Development, design, and production of all graphic materials as necessary for exhibits, education, and development departments. Supervision of and participation in framing, art handling, and installation of artwork in the Community Gallery rotating schedule of exhibits. Managed projects within budget and deadline.

Local history research of jazz community and artifacts collected from landmark building in historic cultural district. Exploration of exhibit concepts for proposed rotating educational exhibits about jazz music and musicians. Development of literature review of materials and local history resources.

Independently contracted as exhibition designer for temporary exhibit, Fact, Fiction, and Spectacle: The Trial of Red Jacket and permanent exhibit, The John R. Oishei Pioneer Gallery. Project scope included spaceplanning, object layout, case layout and design, finish specification, and all graphic design and production of didactic materials as well as fundraising marketing materials. Worked cross-functionally with all departments and managed construction volunteers, vendors, and maintenance staff during the installation process.

Design, development, and sourcing of picture frame product lines and promotions meeting the needs of the end consumer and retail account. Market research of current and future trends in interior design and decor. Cross-functional collaboration with senior product designers, graphic designers, product managers, and overseas vendors. Specification and project management of product samples for account presentation to major North American retailers.

Gallery space-planning, installation design, and finish specification with respect to circulation, accessibility requirements, lighting design, graphic design, visitor experience, and education. Expressed exhibit design ideas and concepts via sketches, preliminary drawing sets, sample boards, and models. Prepared construction documents and details including schedules, case inventories, object case design and construction with attention to object mounting, conservation, and security. Project management and coordination with curatorial staff, architects, lighting designers, and graphic designers for firm specializing in national and international fine art and historic museums.