Ericka A. Michal
michalea@plu.edu
253-254-6383


I seek direct and active involvement with conserving, preserving, and presentation of heritage, history, artifacts, oral tradition, textiles, storytelling, fine art, and cultural expression through publishing or museum entities.

Experience

Kelmer Roe Fellow- Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma, Washington
May 2014-Present

Museum Intern, Firepower Museum – Royal Arsenal Woolwich, London, UK
September 2014 – December 2014

Event Coordination, Marketing, Data Research – Antiques & Collectible Sales - Media Links – Puyallup, Washington
Sole Proprietor - March 1998 - Present

Intern at Robin Wade Furniture – Lexington, Alabama
September 2012 - January 2013

Web Content - Dress Biographies & Accessory/Hat Biographies at MacKenzie Mode-Sydney, Australia
August 2011 - August 2012

Intern at Washington State Arts Commission – Olympia, Washington
May 2012 - August 2012

Intern at Washington State Arts Commission-Olympia, Washington
August 2011 - December 2011

Sr. Loan Officer – Seattle, Washington
July 2003 - February 2011

Student Assistant at Scandinavian Cultural Center-Pacific Lutheran University-Tacoma, Washington
October 2010 - December 2010

Projects

Kelmer Roe Research Fellowship – Pacific Lutheran University – Tacoma, Washington

Research Fellowship received as part of a research team for the academic year 2014-2015.  Examining emergent identity from material culture at Pacific Lutheran University’s Scandinavian Cultural Center’s museum.

Solo Exhibit Wish You Were Here – Pacific Lutheran University – Tacoma, Washington

April 2014

Photography and Makah Tribal baskets and scale model canoes on exhibit to highlight my study abroad experience whilst at Pacific Lutheran University.

Art Gallery Hanging and Lighting Committee

April 2014 – Pacific Lutheran University

Washington State Arts Commission – Olympia, Washington – Governor’s Art and Heritage Award

May 2012 – August 2012

Organised and coordinated ebook for panelists to view remotely from materials submitted over a period of past years to the Washington State Arts Commission, formatted into digitalised data from raw material, then transmitted via YouTube and an ebook on a private panelist Gmail address for remote review by panelists.

Washington State Arts Commission – Olympia, Washington – Folk Arts Award

August 2011 – December 2011

Worked with artists, panel members, and WSAC employees, as I became part of the Fellowship Grant process in sending and receiving applications from Folk Artists, observed the review panel function, and the full process to its completion.  I created the e-book, converted media files to the necessary format to enable panelists to view it remotely prior to meeting material review. 

Volunteer Work

Ethnic Heritage Council - Communications Table - 2013 US Citizen Naturalization Ceremony

Worked with the Ethnic Heritage Council for July 4, 2013 to assist with set up, greeting, and manning the Communication table.  Greeted dignitaries, immigrants to become naturalized citizens, assisted with decorating and passing out of literature, directed people to the proper places, answered questions, passed out Press kits.

Scandinavian Cultural Center – Tacoma, Washington – 2010 – Present

Assisted with programme set-up, greeting guests, displays, general office work, and selling Nordic textiles and books at holiday or cultural gatherings and fund raising events.

Puyallup School District – Puyallup, Washington – Parent Volunteer – 1996-2012

Worked in fundraising, organising events, educational assistance on group outings to museums, county fairs, and local events.  Highly involved with the culinary, orchestra, and choral programmes.

Antiques Roadshow - Seattle, Washington – 2002

Greeted guests waiting for appraisals of items, discerned which category their objects were best suited for, ushered them to the correct table or area.

Education

Pacific Lutheran University – Tacoma, Washington

Anticipated Graduation May, 2015

Bachelor Degree in Art History

Bachelor Degree in Anthropology

Bachelor Degree in Scandinavian Area Studies

Minor in Communication

Minor in Printing and Publishing Arts

Pierce College – Lakewood, Washington

January 2014

Project Management Certificate – PMP Methodology

AHA London -  Humanities and Intership – Fall 2014

Internship at Firepower Museum, Modern Art History, and Political, Social, and Cultural analysis the United Kingdom in the present time.

Study Abroad - History of British Pottery and Ceramics - Pacific Lutheran University

January 2014

Study Abroad - France & England - Pacific Lutheran University

January 2013

Study Abroad – Makah Culture and History – Neah Bay – Pacific Lutheran University

January 2011

Independent Coursework – Seattle, Washington and London, UK

·         Digital Pathways Training-British Public Library 2013 (Research & Presentation)

·         Care of Collections: Costumes and Costume Accessories (BACC Workshop 2011)

·         Preservation of Audiovisual Materials (BACC Workshop 2011)

·         Care of Collections: Paintings and Painted Surfaces (BACC 2011)

Transferable Skills

·         Meticulous research and analysis

·         Quantitative analysis

·         Ecommerce

·         Information interpretation

·         Multiple search techniques – multimedia – online – traditional

·         Well-versed in electronic sales

·         Digital purchasing

·         Dispatch order fulfillment

·         Accounts reconciliation

·         Online advertising

·         Editing

·         Professional level presentation skills

·         Makes clear and logical analysis and recommendations

·         Adds original/new thinking to existing projects

·         Knowledge management & transfer skills

·         Superior customer engagement and service

·         Keen business acumen

·         Clear and professional communication

·         Technologically savvy

·         Innovative and a problem solver

·         Customer results oriented

·         Project Management

·         Calling on new clients

·         Negotiation