Magic Smith

Background

About Magic Smith

Magic Smith is an experienced, award winning multimedia and curatorial specialist that began their pursuit of hands-on experience working for the Holt Russell Gallery at the age of eighteen as a Gallery Assistant. They are now pursuing a Master in Museum and Exhibition Studies at UIC’s School of Art and History. Magic has a vested interest in decolonizing the fine arts industry and curating spaces that have a strong desire to make both galleries and digital spaces safe and accessible for all. At the age of twenty-six they have had a great level of success in academia including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Art in History. Magic also minored in French as well as Studio Art. During those programs they successfully defended two theses called “Neo-Dada as a Lens For Understanding Dada” and “Le Fétichisme du Cuir, La Scène Gay, et La France”. During this time they also created an oral history project called “Affirmations and The Methodist Church” where they presented at the Scholars Symposium at Baker University. They have been active in the non-profit and volunteer based sectors as well since they began dual enrolling at the age of sixteen. Nine years later, they still have a vested interest in historical preservation, community outreach, and social media management. Magic's goals for academic and professional achievement may change with new opportunities presented, they have been driven to follow their dreams in this sector since they were a child and have followed through every time. They are adaptable and comfortable in these environments but are firm and respectful when it comes to upholding their ethical and creative standards. With four years of experience performing various creative roles in a theater shop troupe, Magic’s experience far exceeds that of many multimedia specialists. They have a working knowledge of set design, costume design, and makeup artistry. Alongside their experience in theater, they are now volunteering at the Leather Archives and Museum to further improve their working knowledge of the LGBT community within the archival sector.