ABOUT ME

I am an emerging humanities professional pursuing museum work after recently completing my PhD in Art History at Emory University. My experience stems from positions at several types of institutions as well as from a strong research background rooted in my academic training at Oberlin College (B.A.) and Emory (M.A./PhD). I strive to create experiences, projects, and scholarship that engage diverse audiences and open eyes to connections they have not previously considered.

TESTIMONIALS

  • "...Strong sense of curatorial vision..."

    In Dr. Kelin Michael's almost two years at the Getty, she proved a generous colleague, was able and willing to take on any task, was successful in her ambitions, and displayed a strong sense of curatorial vision. She was excited to link contemporary lived experience to historic art, making it relevant to the Getty’s many audiences, as shown by our co-curated exhibition, as well as its accompanying publication. The project reflects her creative ability to advance aspects of diversity and inclusion through the study of art objects, which is at the heart of her curatorial practice. During her time at the Getty, she worked diligently to hone curatorial skills that come naturally to her, with a combination of strengths across the board. Dr. Michael is a delight to work with--responsible, eager, congenial, professional, and above all, a great member of a busy, team-based department.

    — Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, Senior Curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum

  • "....highly organized, driven, and innovative in her work..."

    I worked with Kelin for a year in the manuscripts department at the J. Paul Getty Museum when she was serving as the project manager for the exhibition Lumen: The Art and Science of Light. Kelin is highly organized, driven, and innovative in her work. She created an organizational structure that was instrumental in laying the foundations for the exhibition. Additionally, she is a very competent researcher who is clearly passionate about her work, particularly when it comes to conveying information to audiences in a clear and accessible way. Kelin is also a great coworker! She is very positive and dependable and would make an excellent addition to any project or department.

    — Sam Truman, Samuel H. Kress Fellow at The Courtauld Institute of Art

  • "...completing challenging projects with soul and depth."

    Kelin is a pleasure to work with—she not only brings her art historical expertise to her curatorial work, but also has the right mix of practicality, professionalism, curiosity, and a good sense of humor that are essential for completing challenging projects with soul and depth.

    — Dr. Larisa Grollemond, Associate Curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum

MY CURATING METHOD

  • Brainstorm

    Anything goes here! I start by coming up with my ideal parameters for the project.

  • Discuss

    Next, I discuss with you what is possible for the project, noting funding, spatial, and timeline constrictions.

  • Refine

    Then, we refine. I create a plan to optimize what we can accomplish, sourcing feedback at different points throughout the project to remain on track.

QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO CHAT? BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ME.