Organization and Planning

Orange Cutouts

The series to the left is a self-directed final project for my 2D Foundations class during the January term 2013. The piece was expanded from a project we completed earlier in the term. For the final product to emerge, I created a process that could be replicated for each of the three pieces. I had to plan each step and understand how it would build on the previous one. I had to think about the deadline, the appropriate materials, and the design and execute accordingly. The major challenge in planning the piece was incorporating all of the small shapes and maintaining the symmetry with the positive and negative space. This piece was featured in two art shows in the Groot Student Gallery at St. Olaf College.

Wedding Coordination

During the summer with my job at the YMCA of the Rockies, there were two to four weddings every weekend (some are pictured below), so it took a lot of planning and organization to coordinate all of the events. At the beginning of each week, I made a schedule that included each set up, check-in, rehearsal, wedding, reception, delivery, and clean up. This was distributed to the conference services department who completed all of the set ups. I also compiled the layouts for each event and ensured that the proper inventories were entered in the computer. We had limited PA systems, chairs, and tables, so I had to plan for any overlap that would occur. There were only two people in the department and one vehicle, so we had to plan which of us would direct each event and how we would get there.

As a results-driven individual, planning and organization play a large role in the success of projects and/or events. In my art projects in particular, I was given an assignment and general techniques to work with. From there, it was up to me to decide the specific materials I would use, the overarching idea, and the steps required to reach the finished project. In all of this, I had to plan around the hours of the studio, gather materials, integrate other artists if necessary, think ahead to plan each step and the overall process. I have applied this planning and organizing as a special events assistant and working with wedding groups, in organizing fundraisers and events for InterVarsity, and being the program director for Habitat for Humanity.

Caitlin Nelson