Open to opportunities

Natalie Ponder

@natalieponder

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Museum collections and exhibitions specialist focused on thoughtful, research-led curation.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a role where I can manage collections and lead research-driven exhibitions within an institution that values best practices, public engagement, and professional growth.

I am a museum collections and exhibitions specialist with hands-on experience in accessioning, deaccessioning, archival cataloguing, and exhibition installation across museum and gallery settings. I combine rigorous academic research in art history—including a master's on decentralized art technologies—with practical skills in collections management systems and public-facing gallery work.

My work has supported institutional accreditation efforts, grant applications, and the creation of core policy documents while I’ve coordinated exhibitions, prepared galleries for major events, and produced research that bridges feminist theory and emerging art-market technologies. I prioritize best practices in handling and documenting objects, clear visitor communication, and research-driven interpretation to expand access and relevance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Collections and Exhibition Specialist

Current

6th Street Museum District

Feb 2024 - Present (2 years)

Manages accessioning/deaccessioning and archives acquisitions in PastPerfect, plans and installs all district exhibitions, and develops grant applications and core collections/strategic documents to advance accreditation efforts.

Collections Management PastPerfect Art handling Grant writing Archival Cataloging Policy Development Museum Accreditation

Gallery Intern

Fort Works Art Gallery

Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 (2 months)

Researched and wrote gallery and biography labels, communicated with visitors and represented artists, assisted with installations and event preparation for major gallery relaunches.

Label Writing Art handling Artist Relations Research

Gallery Assistant

Blanton Museum of Art

Jan 2020 - Mar 2020 (2 months)

Served as first point of contact for patrons, communicated exhibition and safety information, delivered customer service, and applied proper art handling and gallery operations practices.

Art handling Gallery Operations Communication Safety practices Problem Solving event support

Museum Volunteer

Kimbell Museum of Art

Aug 2017 - Aug 2019 (2 years)

Led drop-in studio sessions for children, provided guided tours of temporary exhibitions, and coordinated large-scale teen-focused events to grow museum engagement.

Tour Leading Event Coordination Youth Engagement Exhibition Interpretation Public Speaking

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Arts, Art History

Activities and societies: Member, Fine Arts Council (May 2020–May 2022); conducted undergraduate thesis on NFTs and the art market (Aug 2021–Dec 2021).

Completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with undergraduate research on NFTs and involvement in campus fine arts governance.