Alex McKenna

BS Art Education, Illinois State University

Experience: A significant accomplishment I have had was working with the Museum Ambassador Program at the de Young Fine Art Museum in San Francisco. While there I assisted in developing a gallery talk based on the work of J.M.W. Turner.

Areas of Interest: Music, TV/film, Visual arts, Fine arts, Photography, Video/digital media, Arts/music festivals, Nonprofit work, Entrepreneurship

Ideal Job in 10 Years: In ten years I would like to own and operate an art gallery or arts residency program.

What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern?
After my time spent at the de Young Museum, I discovered that I wanted to work outside of the field of education and more directly within the arts community. I’m eager to learn more about the business, marketing, and financial aspects of arts-related industries so that I can own and operate my own gallery or arts residency program in the future.

Favorite (song/movie/show/festival/exhibition … )?
My favorite artist/painter is Frank Stella.

What are you most looking forwards to about the MSLCE program?
Meeting my fellow classmates and professors!

What is your favorite Chicago landmark/attraction, or what are you most excited to visit?
The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute of Chicago are my two favorite attractions in Chicago.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would live in County Mayo, Ireland as that is where my great grandparents resided before moving to the United States. I am interested in learning more about my familial history and ancestry. I visited the region in the Summer of 2014 and have wanted to return ever since.

How do you plan on spending/did you spend your summer before starting MSLCE?
I spent the summer before starting MSLCE working on a new series of paintings.

Where are you from?
Illinois