41 Despite the instant stress this caption risked, the image pulled many “likes” and the comment “One of my favorite pieces in the museum!” from an alumna. Though simple, the image connected the collection with a universal campus experience for students and alumnae. Furthermore, museums can easily use social media as an educational tool. By optimizing online access to the collection (did you know that SCMA’s entire collection is catalogued online?), shared artwork is often linked to the database, allowing users to learn more if they so choose. Quick facts about the works are also effective. On May 5, SCMA posted: “Happy Cinco de Mayo! This work is by #EmilioAmero, one of the leading figures of the Mexican #ModernArt movement. He was also a member of the first group of muralists to receive commissions in Post-Revolutionary Mexico, working alongside artists such as #JoséClementeOrozco, #CarlosMérida and #DiegoRivera.” Sharing brief, interesting facts about the work can help our audiences who are less versed in visual arts cultivate fluency in art history or museum practice. Social media is a modern, efficient way to bring art, SMCA’s collection and the opportunities SCMA provides into students’ everyday lives. Beyond this, it is a global connector, keeping Smithies and alumnae around the world in touch and in tune—both with their museum and with each other. THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TIME AT THE MUSEUM has been mentoring student curators as part of the Student Picks program. Every year, six students are selected to put up a one-day exhibition in the museum. They can select from more than 20,000 works in the Cunningham Center’s Works on Paper collection, building a theme and a curatorial eye based on their interests. One of the best things about Student Picks is that there are no prerequisites—anyone can apply, even students with no experience in art history or museums. This means I get to work with students from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds who can bring new and exciting perspectives on the collection. This year alone, we’ve had exhibitions about surrealism, street photography, music, climate change, fantastical creatures and the Asian diaspora. I believe this program is an invaluable opportunity for students to foster a deeper connection with the museum. I’ve learned so much by working with these curators. It’s been an honor to support their creativity, curiosity and vision. My fellowship at SCMA presented me with many new and exciting challenges and opportunities—but just as importantly, it gave me the resources and support to develop my skills. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT/MENTORING CURATORS COLLEEN MCDERMOTT, BROWN POST- BACCALAUREATE CURATORIAL FELLOW, 2015–2017