Alumni Spotlight: Adrienne Lichliter
Art and art history alum Adrienne Lichliter (B.A. '09, '10) reveals how she carved out a unique role at the Nasher Sculpture Center that blends her arts industry knowledge and communications.
Adrienne Lichliter (B.A. ’09, ’10) is this week’s featured alum in our new Alumni Spotlight series for the This Week at Meadows e-newsletter. Each week, a different Meadows alum will be highlighted for their accomplishments post-graduation.
As a graduate of both the Art and Art History programs at Meadows, Adrienne Lichliter is familiar with artistic processes from a creative side as well as an analytical side.
“Being able to look at something and draw conclusions from visual information extends advantages far past art,” says Lichliter, who chose a career path of communications within the arts industry post-college. “The ability to express my thoughts, both in speaking and writing, with confidence and clarity, is vital.”
Her career within the Nasher Sculpture Center leverages together her art and art history knowledge with her communications skills in a unique role. From preparing public statements to managing press requests, Lichliter handles all communications outreach for the institution as well as handles their international programs. She regularly puts together the Nasher Prize Dialogues, a series of public discussions held in Dallas and around the world that is focused on topics important to contemporary sculpture.
In addition, Lichliter is also the editor-in-chief of the center’s biannual magazine, where she chooses the essays, writers, and art, and edits all of the content the content. Her artistic eye for these needs is crucial, and learning to hold a rigorous and self-determined studio art practice during her SMU-in-Taos program expanded the scope of her art.
“Regardless of whether you are aiming for an art-related job, it’s a good idea to create your own projects that give you experience in the direction you want to go,” Lichliter explains, recommending current students to seek out a variety of opportunities and not get discouraged with the process in order to achieve their ultimate career goals. “Working in the arts often requires patience; it’s a competitive industry.”
Learn more about Meadows' Division of Art History here and Division of Art here.