b'parting wordsANNA JEAN HAMEL ABIGAIL (ABBY) MOONPREPARATOR, 20152018 BROWN POST-BACCALAUREATE FELLOWIN MUSEUM REGISTRATION, 2017201978I think being a preparator could be the best job in It was great to spend so much time behind the scenes, and many of my friends and family members have the world. While it seems like some of my co-workersincluding with the collections management team in the no idea what it is that I do at work, Im quietly havinggalleries when they installed new exhibitions. I worked incredibly special and personal experiences with theclosely with Deborah Diemente to digitize the collec-objects Im working to care for and exhibit. There intion, process new acquisitions and respond to research that space I have found a quiet satisfaction and privateinquiries and image reproduction requests, and learned a peacefulness that carries me through my days.lot about the collection and what it takes to keep art safe The impact that the actions of the collectionswhile making it accessible to the public. Together with the team can have on the appearance, safety and overallother post-baccs we put together Thursday Til 8 events culture of a museum or institution is enormous and and I had the opportunity to participate in a few school must not be underestimated. With support from onetours in the galleries, as well. It was through all these another, together we can achieve great outcomes for experiences I came to realize that art education could be our organization and the community, art and cultural a great career path for me, and in July 2018 I began taking heritage material we serve.classes toward my masters in teaching at Smith. I miss my SCMA co-workers and am always happy to run into them In April 2019, Anna Jean was hired as Lead Preparator and on campus when Im on my way to class or student teach-Conservation Technician, Northeast Document ConservationCenter (NEDCC), Andover, MA. ing. Thank you to everyone at SCMA who helped to make . my fellowship a great experience for me! Abby will receive her masters and license to teach visual art to PreK12 students in May 2020.parting words'