Curating a career

Mikail Berger-Messenger, a painting and printmaking major at Wright State, curated “From Campus to Community,” featuring the work of college students and recent graduates, as part of his internship with the Dayton Society of Artists. (Photo by Erin Pence)

After spending the summer learning how galleries bring exhibitions to life, Wright State University art student Mikail Berger-Messenger got the chance to curate one himself.

The painting and printmaking major curated “From Campus to Community,” his first exhibition, at Front Street in Dayton, showcasing the work of 17 college students and recent graduates, including five Wright State artists.

Berger-Messenger’s goal was to give emerging artists an opportunity to share their work with the public.

“I think all artists at some point in their life would like to have their art displayed,” he said. “I think it’s good to help out the new artists.”

Curating the exhibition allowed Berger-Messenger to apply everything he learned during his internship, from promoting the show and reviewing submissions to installing the artwork. As he arranged each piece, he had to think not only about spacing but also about how the artwork fit with the surrounding pieces.

“There’s also how different pieces work next to each other, how to bring small bits of color between each of them to make things flow together and vary the sizes,” he said.

“I’m pretty proud of how it came out,” he added. “I was able to use all the skills that I’ve learned over the internship and bring it into one.”

The exhibition marked another milestone: it was also the first time Berger-Messenger publicly displayed his own artwork.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking having people see your artwork, but I think it’s a good experience,” he said.

The exhibition capped his internship with the Dayton Society of Artists, where he gained hands-on experience installing exhibitions, including in its spaces at the Dayton Metro Library, and learning the many details that go into presenting artwork.

Berger-Messenger, who is pursuing an arts management certificate, also helped with community workshops and figure drawing sessions and supported fundraising events that connect artists with the community.

His experience highlights how Wright State’s visual arts program helps students explore careers across the arts through hands-on learning opportunities. In addition to preparing students to become practicing artists, the program connects them with internships that open doors to careers throughout the arts, said Glen Cebulash, professor of art, who helped Berger-Messenger secure the internship.

“Because the art world is diverse and multifaceted, our students can and do apply their knowledge and understanding to a variety of art and art-adjacent careers, such as curatorial work in galleries and museums, art education, nonprofit arts organizations and artist materials, which is a billion-dollar industry,” he said. “We think it’s critical that our students gain real-world experiences to enhance their artistic training, and we’re grateful for all of our internship partners.”

Art has been part of Berger-Messenger’s life since childhood. Growing up with an artist for a mother, he spent much of his childhood creating alongside her.

After arriving at Wright State with a background in painting, Berger-Messenger expanded his artistic skills by exploring new techniques and mediums. Although he initially wasn’t sure about adding a second concentration, a printmaking class with Kim Vito, professor of art, convinced him to give it a try.

“Printmaking was completely new since I’d never done it before, so I’ve learned different types of printmaking processes,” he said. “I like the physicality of it, carving into the wood block. I like the relief printmaking. I like the results — you can get a more graphic kind of look to your art.”

Berger-Messenger, who expects to graduate in spring 2027, hopes to build a career as a freelance artist while working in a gallery or museum. His internship and first curatorial experience confirmed that he’s found the right path.

“I like the community aspect of it, bringing art to other people and bringing artists in the community together,” he said. “I think everybody needs art in their life, even if you’re not an artist.”

How to go

“From Campus to Community” is on display through Aug. 25 at Front Street’s Project Pit. To schedule an appointment, contact Tamiko Stump, director of the Dayton Society of Artists, at director@daytondsa.org.