Felicia E. Gail

Dear Reader, 

I have worked in the field of art for over twenty years. My background is diverse, and I am experienced in the many lives art can take. I have worked as curator, artist, preparator, registrar, shipper, art handler, programs coordinator, adult workshop educator, university instructor, bicycle mechanic, book procurer, entertainment assistant for bands, set decorator for film, administrative assistant, web and social media designer, editor, writer, and many other positions in service of art and the folks surrounding.

 
In the late 90s, I started my education as an International Studies and Interdisciplinary Humanities student trying to form a vocabulary for how I perceived the world at large. In the midst of this education, I traveled the United States alone and held opportune jobs all while photographing and writing about the spaces I was privileged to find. I later continued my education while working as a Registrar at Minneapolis College of Art and Design where I attended continuing education, bachelor’s and audited master’s degree courses. I humbly learned from my colleagues as I worked full time as a records keeper. Near my hometown, I later obtained a Bachelor's degree in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of West Florida where I assisted the gallery director. Finally, I earned my Master’s of Fine Art degree in Visual Art where I focused on Photography, Installation, and Writing from Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver, Canada.

 
During and after my Master’s education, I taught courses at the university level in the Humanities, Photography, Art History, and Installation. I worked for Presentation House Gallery (now Polygon Gallery) in North Vancouver, BC as a curatorial and gallery assistant. In 2016 I sold most of my own artwork at Red Gate Gallery, shipped my remaining belongings, then rode my motorcycle to Texas before arriving back to Florida.

 
The draw to be nearer to family was strong, and I eventually accepted the role as Assistant Curator, then Curator of Exhibitions, at the Pensacola Museum of Art, University of West Florida Historic Trust. I was inspired by collections stewardship when participating in the organization of the Glenn Lewis artist archive during my time at Presentation House Gallery and even more so while at UWF working with artist and collector Matty Jankowski in Panama City Beach, Florida. Matty was an older artist from New York who had moved to Florida along with his multi-faceted collection of artwork, books, music, and other ephemera. I was working with him on an exhibition of works inspired by his collection, and a selection was to be on display along with other artifacts and artist’s works. I collaborated with him on cataloging a selection of objects and also with a consultant to understand the nuances of his collection. I exhibited his work at the museum, and he was incredibly happy, spoke to a willing public, and felt valued by his peers. The following year, a hurricane came through and damaged his domicile and his personhood. Already dealing with health issues, Matty passed away soon after. In those moments I was glad for his friendship, and also wished I could have had more time to work with him to better account for all is works, and provide peace of mind in his final days.

 
Most recently, I spent four years extending my knowledge and experience in Photography by working as Registrar, then Senior Registrar & Inventory Manager, for Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia from 2019 - 2023. Folks would often say they wished I could come to their homes and help them with their collections. Listening to that need, and with the generous endorsement and support from my friends, family, and colleagues, Collections Stewardship Southeast began in the Spring of 2023.

Inspired by Matty, I hope Collections Stewardship Southeast can serve individuals and families. As owner, I hope by fitting you and yours with a plan for capability, I can encourage empowerment of knowledge, and provide further access to resources and management. Collections Stewardship Southeast can work with you and your individual needs in forming the best plan ahead. With your permission, Collections Stewardship Southeast can help organize the special objects existing in your care. If you wish to share or pass on to others your perspective on the world, we can accomplish this too.

I believe every artwork has a life unto itself, and we get to be part of its story for the time we have with it. I am thrilled to continue my journey in this new way, and I look forward to working with you and the stories of you and your special collections.

Sincerely,
Felicia