4Art Inc., Internship/Mentorship Program We all have dreams, so why shouldn’t there be someone to guide you through. “Success doesn’t belong to just one.” -Robin Monique Rios, Owner/Director/Artist of 4Art Inc Gallery It wasn’t until I was introduced to Thomas Masters—someone who had been in the gallery business for over a decade—that I found a person willing to take the time to sit down with me. Tom, without bias, became my mentor.. He was willing to candidly speak with me about the ups and downs of the art world. In order to help me to build my clientele, Tom even went as far as to put together a group of his own artists to exhibit in my gallery. Since I previously had so many doors shut in my face, this was more than I could have ever expected. Tom’s guidance and mentorship inspired me to, without hesitation, help all those who come to me and I never refuse an opportunity to mentor someone in need of assistance. Over the years, I have had over a dozen interns come through my door. I have consulted some of them in starting their own businesses and am always prepared to do whatever it takes to help others achieve their goals. One of my previous interns is currently celebrating his one year anniversary as a gallery owner and another beginning a representation company to aid artists in getting their work out into the world. However, it should be known that the intern program at 4Art is not one sided. What an intern puts in is what they get out. Interns are involved in every aspect of that which makes this gallery run smoothly, therefore they have every opportunity to learn and grow as arts enthusiasts. Some of the things an intern can learn here are; custom framing, graphic/web design, gathering/contacting potential clients for our event space rental service, distributing/maintaining gallery marketing materials, curating the monthly art rotation, meeting and learning as much as they can about our artists, communicating effectively with clients during the opening receptions as well as during the week, and lastly, gallery/building maintenance.
“Dear Robin, I really can’t express my gratitude. I appreciate your willingness to take me in when no one else would. Your support and help will always be appreciated. Thank you so much for everything. This experience helped me open up and be more comfortable with myself. Thank you again for everything!” Kaylin Maanum Robin is a genuine personality who is eager to teach as well as learn. She is supportive and honest in her guidance to her interns, fellow artists, and business associates. As a mentor, Robin has helped me to cultivate my ideas and gain a better understanding of how a successful business should be run. Her excitement for the art world is contagious and the passion she has for her own art is truly inspiring. The time I spent with Robin at 4Art Inc. will remain an invaluable experience for me as I move forward in my career. Jenny Toler “Thank You so much for helping me this summer and letting me intern with you. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned from you and how much it will benefit me in the years to come.” Robert Warren Miller Being an intern for 4Art Inc was a wonderful and a once in a life time experience. Through this internship I learned many important components of the art world through the lens of a gallery owner, as well as an artist, Robin Rios, she is a talented and inspiring leader in the Chicago art community who shows a true passion for helping other artists and gallery owners succeed. The community that is created by 4Art Inc supports the learning and growth of young art students in today’s modern society. Through my internship, I was given many opportunities to work along side professional artists, and was given hands on responsibilities on a daily basis. My time at 4Art Inc gave me a better understanding of what to expect and how to work in the art world after college and I suggest this opportunity to anyone who's passion lies in the art community. Maggie Gryglak Connection, Understanding and Appreciation of art are most the important characteristics of the 4Art Inc. mission statement. “My experience working with Robin Monique Rios and the 4Art gallery have led me to be extremely considerate of these values. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity of being placed in an environment where my questions and curiosities about what it means to be a gallery owner were answered. Robin has opened my eyes to the inner workings of a gallery setting and the overall experience related to the industry. One of the most significant attributes that my internship has taught me this summer is the importance of community. Working at 4Art Inc. offered me the opportunity to experience what it would be like to own and operate a gallery in the city of Chicago. What I have come to understand from my internship is that communities of people can be brought together and encouraged to think critically about art aesthetics. Art in this sense becomes a source for understanding all aspects of everyday life. Robin supports the idea that working with 4Art is not only an internship, but also a mentorship. She is constantly supportive and available to discuss her experiences about the art world. Some of my most rewarding learning experiences came from my conversations with Robin. She is not only knowledgeable about the basics of running a gallery, but will challenge and help you to brainstorm about your future. With Robin being an artist, similar to myself, she really encouraged me to pursue my dual education in both visual arts and the media. She truly understands what it means to make something from nothing, and believes that passion and hard work can create something beautiful. This internship has allowed me to explore many options in regards to my future in the industry.” Nicole Edwards “A passion challenges a person to do great. The main thing I learned while interning at 4Art, Inc was the amount of passion that goes into running an art gallery. I learned how to market a small, growing business by writing press releases and watching Robin’s artwork come alive in her new website. I also learned how to properly hang and frame art and how to adjust lighting to complement the artwork being shown. But what I mostly learned was the effort and heart that is necessary in all of these aspects of managing an art gallery. It feels amazing to have been a part of such a beautiful business and to see the growing result of Robin’s passion for art.” Heather Kreitzberg “Throughout my time at 4Art, I found that I was encouraged to brainstorm and act on new ideas for the business. The owner, Robin Rios, was always enthusiastic about her business and this motivated me to continually work to benefit the gallery. I was also able to have many creative conversations regarding my own career and found both Robin and the other interns to be just as excited as me when discussing future business ventures! While interning, I also learned a great deal about both my strengths and my weaknesses. I learned to be self-aware and also to speak my mind. I was able to grow as an art lover and as an entrepreneur in the arts. As a tangible result of my time at 4Art, I am opening an artist representation and communications business, Well Fed Arts. Robin helped me to find this voice and calling and for that I am infinitely grateful.” Stephanie Larkin “My overall experience of interning with Robin has been an extremely positive one. She welcomed all the interns into her 4 Art family with continual guidance and support. The friendly atmosphere of the gallery space was contagious, making it a place where I was always eager to return. I have gained valuable insight and experience in the art community which I will be able to apply in my future. I have learned from Robin’s example and knowledge, and I am excited to continue in my career with even greater knowledge and passion for art.” Margaret Kleinberg “During my internship at 4Art, I was immersed in everyday gallery activities. I spent time learning how to frame and hang pieces, and worked on an extensive organizational plan for the gallery, including preparing for new interns, and helping Robin to get organized. In addition, I worked on event planning and space rental in the gallery. During my senior year I will be completing a minor in arts management, and I am so thankful that I can bring a “real world” perspective to the class. I feel more prepared for interviews, as I can now refer to time spent in a gallery that is thriving and focused on the community. My internship reached a peak during the 2nd Friday in July, during which I helped with the sale of four different pieces. I worked with the buyer as well as Robin to complete the sale, and it was the highlight of my time at 4Art.” Caroline Ann Stoy “Even though 4Art is arguably the most prominent gallery in the Chicago Arts District, and both the quantity and the quality of the artwork on display are astounding, this is a place where pretension and any and all forms of bullshit are left at the door. Robin effortlessly makes the gallery feel like a second home, whether it’s by giving the interns free reign of the continuously-stocked back room (okay, maybe not free reign, but close) or opening up about the usually-clandestine bureaucratic cult that is the art industry. Robin is honest. I could ask her anything and she’d provide an answer. This openness is just one example of that pretension-and-bullshit-at-the-door dynamic—if I asked her about how she founded the gallery, she’d give a truthful account, making sure not to exclude any of the hurdles she had to overcome or any of the drawbacks that continue to plague artists trying to make a living out of what they love the most; if I asked her why she used a particular framing method for one piece of art and not for another, she’d tell me precisely why. There are too many enriching conversations I’ve had with Robin to list, and conversations I’ve had at the 2nd Friday opening receptions have been memorable as well; as a gallery intern at an art show, you’re missing out if you don’t strike up a conversation with the artists and guests—obviously, the main purpose of speaking with the guests is to cultivate in their memory a positive experience of the gallery, but on a more personal level, you’ll be able to meet many interesting people from different corners of the art verse. I’ve always known that making a living in the arts was difficult, but the “struggling artist” image was more of a romanticized cliché than anything concrete. At 4Art, I learned the hard facts and the details that accompany starting your own business, balancing being an artist and a business owner, etc. I’m the President of Columbia University’s undergraduate art gallery, so many things that I’ve learned here—how to make sure art shows are cohesive in both the content of each individual piece and the placement of each work in relation to one another throughout the gallery space, how to communicate with artists, and so on—will be directly applicable, even though one gallery is student-run and the other is a business. My post-graduation plans are still a bit up in the air, but no matter what I choose, the skills I’ve gained here, from interacting with artists and customers to learning the ins and outs of an art business, will all be beneficial.” Jenny Lam “I really wanted to thank you for everything you have taught me over the past few months. Everything you have said about your experience I will take to any future experience, internship or job. The lessons I have learned while Interning at 4Art are invaluable. All of the skill you have taught, from framing, to writing press releases, to communicating will help me as I return to school and hopefully to the art gallery business. I especially appreciate your advice and help with my communication skills. It really helped that you pushed me into it –I might not have gained so much confidence if I had gradually stepped into it. Lastly, I enjoyed simple speaking with you about your experience and your thoughts about the art world. I never would have learned so much beyond the business of a single gallery if it were not for your generous conversations.” Ellen Frisbie “I was fortunate to intern with Robin at 4Art, Inc in 2005. It was my goal to learn how to run and operate a gallery in order to someday be a gallery owner myself. Under Robin’s instruction and guidance I have attain that goal and I’m now the owner of Artistic Jeanius located two blocks down the street from 4Art, Inc. She taught me the fundamentals that every gallery owner should know when running their gallery. Robin continues to help me by giving me advice and tips to issues that I face as a new business owner. Robin showed me the importance of portraying a professional image and maintaining a positive reputation in the community. While interning Robin also showed me the hard work one must put out to become a successful artist and the sacrifices one must make to reach their potential as an artist. My internship allowed me to see first hand the life as an artist and as an entrepreneur.” Daris Jasper – Owner/Director |
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