May 27, 2026

Earlier this spring, a cohort of Hamilton alumni gathered for a gallery tour with Wellin Museum director Tracy Adler and artist Yashua Klos in New York City. The group got talking about the experiences they had working at the Wellin Museum, and the way it informed their current careers. Here are reflections that a few of them shared: 

Jane Taylor '22 (Gallery Manager & Sales Associate at Goodman Gallery, New York) 

The Wellin offered direct, practical engagement with the arts. That hands-on experience was instrumental as I began navigating the professional world after graduation. Personally, the Wellin not only gave me foundational experience, but also consistently connected me with meaningful opportunities. From being introduced to alumni initiatives, to working with Yashua Klos on his installation (which later led to my role as his studio assistant when I first moved to New York), the Wellin played a direct role in shaping my early career. 

Now, as I continue working in the contemporary art world, I find myself increasingly aware of just how exceptional the Wellin’s program is. Nearly every artist, gallery, or arts professional I speak with is familiar with the museum and holds it in high regard. What feels especially important to emphasize is that, as a relatively young institution (established in 2012), the Wellin is only just beginning to see the long-term impact of its work.

Sophie Lewis '22 (Executive Assistant, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York)

Working as a docent at the Wellin Museum during my time at Hamilton College was truly foundational to my career in the art world. The experience gave me an early understanding of how art institutions function and, more importantly, how to look at and talk about art with confidence. Before working at the Wellin, I was fairly timid about speaking in front of groups. But through preparing and giving tours, often multiple times a week, I developed the ability to analyze artworks, communicate ideas clearly, and engage others in conversation about what they were seeing. 

That experience continues to shape my work today. I now work in galleries, where talking about art with collectors, curators, and visitors is central to my role. The confidence I gained at the Wellin, along with the foundation it provided for understanding and discussing art, has been invaluable. It helped transform something I loved into the career I have today.

Surya Gowda '23 (Assistant to Directors, Gagosian, New York)

The Wellin is the heart of Hamilton's creative and visual arts. Working as a docent and then as a student liaison, I was given the autonomy to organize events and outreach programs for students and the local community. It changed my perception of what a working environment is supposed to be and has shaped my expectations for my career working in the arts.

Now working in the gallery world, I have taken the tools the Wellin has given me, from seeing and looking to engaging with art on every level. To this day, I still address Wellin's collection with pride and reflect on the key tools the museum's staff gave me to have a long and robust life in the arts. Everytime I see a Wellin artist in the news or in the flesh, I feel a sense of connection and pride for the museum and the amazing things we were able to do!

Matthew Tom ‘20 (Communications Associate, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Even though it has been six years since I graduated, the Wellin Museum of Art still continues to enrich my life. It was foundational to my early professional experience and the direction I have taken with my career.

As a student, the museum was a pre-professional sandbox which gifted me the experience and confidence to pursue a career in the arts. As a Hamilton alum living and working in the art world in New York City, I now credit the Wellin Museum for teaching me to approach my work through an interdisciplinary lens, and I am grateful for how the museum continues to connect me to an ever-growing network of graduates in the industry.

Image Credits: Photos by Janelle Bonagurio.