FROM STAFF REPORTS

University of Montevallo student and Dothan, Alabama, native Katharine Murray is fulfilling one of her longtime goals this summer by interning at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., through August.

One of just six students selected for the position, Murray’s Katzenberger Art History internship is with the National Postal Museum, where she is primarily working on a stamp art project by researching stamp art and interviewing artists. She will also assist the museum’s Education and Visitor Services Department in the development and implementation of innovative arts-based hands-on programming.

Murray, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art at UM, has always fostered an interest in art history, and said she knew she wanted to go “somewhere big” to learn more about the field and discover if it was truly her passion. She views her internship at the Smithsonian not only as a prestigious honor, but also as an exploratory experience and resource.

“I love researching 19th century printing presses used for stamps and sharing that information for gallery experiences,” Murray said. “It’s nice to be able to use my knowledge from my studio art classes to be implemented in educational demonstrations of intaglio printing.”

Murray transferred to UM from Wallace Community College in Dothan. However, she was familiar with the city of Montevallo before attending UM, having participated in the annual spring Arts Fest in 2018, selling jewelry made from pressed flowers and resin, among other goods.

“This is a great opportunity for Catherine to explore a unique career area combining her interests in art history and studio art,” said Scott Stephens, UM professor of art and chair of the University’s Department of Art.