In This Story
Stacey Schwartz, AMGT ’23, brought her capstone research project to life when she opened a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) in her community.
Stacey has worked either with or for arts organizations throughout her career including Washington Performing Arts, Arlington Arts, and WETA. Currently, she is the digital strategist for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University, where she combines her interests in both the arts and technology. Stacey is also the new Board Chair for the Educational Theater Company in Arlington, VA.
While completing her MA in Arts Management at Mason, Stacey read a Washington Post article about a Free Little Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington, which inspired her capstone research project. She noticed that early in the pandemic, the galleries were serving as community builders both for the people local to the gallery and those following along online, like Stacey. As time went on, the galleries started acting as strong marketing tools for artists. Stacey encourages all artists who leave art in her gallery to leave their Instagram handle or other contact information so they can be properly recognized for their contributions.
Her background as a digital strategist helped her get the free little art gallery off the ground. When first starting the gallery, she followed other galleries and artists from the gallery’s Instagram page. She also reached out to artists directly inviting them to drop off work. Stacey notes that one artist regularly uses the gallery to test out new work and new mediums. When artists drop off new pieces, Stacey uploads photos of the work to the gallery’s Instagram @freelittleartgallery_arlington. Once the photos are uploaded, anyone is free to come by and take the art home! Stacey encourages anybody to come by and take art left in the gallery, whether you have something to add yourself or not.
At the end of January this year, Stacey worked with a local community member to install a geocache, which has expanded the gallery's reach greatly. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity where participants use their GPS to find hidden containers called geocaches. Additionally, Stacey has received miniature art in the mail from arts all over the United States and recently received her first international piece from an artist and FLAG owner in Australia.
Q: Why did you decide to study arts management?
Stacey: I have focused on digital platforms and the arts throughout my career, and I was ready to see the bigger picture. Many of my colleagues had gone through the program here at Mason and were so enthusiastic that it seemed like the perfect next step (and it was!).
Q: What keeps you passionate about the arts and arts management?
Stacey: I was fortunate to work for organizations like WPA and WETA early on in my career, where I was exposed daily to the profound impacts of the arts on people’s lives. This really laid the foundation for me in terms of working for mission-driven arts organizations. This really hit home during the pandemic and was such a good reminder of why I love working in the arts. It was so rewarding to offer programming and community to patrons when they needed it the most. The pandemic was a major setback for arts organizations, but I think it was also a time to reset and I am so inspired by artists and performers who are working to build back together.
Q: How did the arts management program help you in your career?
Stacey: The arts management program has opened up SO many new doors for me both professionally and personally. Gaining an overall sense of the field helps me better understand the needs of my colleagues. Additionally, I have been working closely with Dr. Salmon and the capstone students to help prepare them for graduation. Teaching has always been something that I would like to pursue, and the arts management program has gotten me one step closer. On a personal level, the knowledge that I gained from the program gave me the confidence to accept the position of board chair of the Educational Theater Company. And finally, the program is the reason that I started my Free Little Art Gallery, which has connected me to artists both locally and nationally (and internationally). My arts management background helped me understand how to use this tool successfully to build and strengthen my community. Completing the program has truly been the highlight of my career.
Stacey is working with AMGT internship coordinator Jennifer Rosenfeld to offer a summer internship with her FLAG. You can hear Stacey talk more about her career and the Little Art Gallery here on the Embracing Arlington Arts podcast!
The Embracing Arlington Arts mission is to advance the vibrancy and health of the arts and culture in Arlington, and beyond through advocacy and awareness programs, outreach initiatives and projects that enhance equitable access to the arts and cultural environment.
Embracing Arlington Arts achieves their mission through three primary strategies: inform others about the importance and diversity of the arts, artists and arts organizations in our community; spearhead initiatives that maintain and grow the County’s cultural identity; and spread the word about the diverse performance and cultural events held in Arlington.
Follow Stacey's Free Little Art Gallery (@freelittleartgallery_arlington) on Instagram!
Start your own journey and learn more about the Arts Management Program!