Introducing Elizabeth Coulter: The New Stedman Gallery Coordinator

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Rutgers New Brunswick Alumna, Elizabeth Coulter, has found a new home here at Rutgers Camden as the Stedman Gallery’s gallery coordinator. While attending Rutgers, Coulter studied art history and American studies prior earning her masters in decorative art history at George Mason University and the Smithsonian Associates.

“I am so grateful to return to Rutgers University as a staff member and work for the school where my experience in the art world began,” Coulter states.

“RU greatly influenced my foundation as a museum professional and art historian. The faculty and staff nurtured my interest in the arts early on in my academic career. Now, it is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to support the next generation of art professionals at the start of their careers.”

Coulter is incredibly passionate about nurturing students’ love for art, highlighting the upcoming events the gallery is holding to involve students within the program. The Stedman Gallery, located in the Fine Arts building, is a free gallery on campus that features new exhibitions every semester. The gallery currently features “Emerging: The Stedman Gallery 50th Anniversary Show” an exhibit presenting seventy eight pieces pulled from the gallery’s seven hundred piece permanent collection. Guest curator, Jackie Neale, has included works from both VMPA professors and students, all of which pay homage to the gallery’s home of Camden to honor the gallery’s fiftieth anniversary as well as the year of the arts on campus. The exhibition closes April 12th before the Thesis Exhibition begins on April 28th which presents pieces from graduating VMPA students.

One event targeted specifically at giving students an outlet through art is the collage workshop on May 6th at 12:45pm, the first reading day of the Spring semester. The workshop is hosted with the Art Students League and serves as a brain break for students during finals prep. Coulter emphasizes some of the other upcoming events and exhibitions the gallery is hosting.

“This spring the gallery has some great programs that are free and open to the public! For students interested in learning more about curation from professionals in the Philadelphia area there will be talks on March 28th at 6pm and April 29th at 12:45pm in the gallery. There are several fun events in the gallery at the beginning of May for this exhibition including a student artist-led tour on May 1st at 12:45pm and reception on May 9th at 5pm.”

Coulter also gave some guidance to RUC students who want to pursue careers in gallery work:

“It is helpful to gain practical experience, attend the free programs on campus, go see exhibitions, and connect with your peers and professors. Most people working in the arts have unique, non-linear career pathways, and it is helpful to hear about diverse experiences and opportunities. The art world can be challenging, and it is important to stay connected and driven.”

Though, during her time at Rutgers, Coulter explained that she didn’t know she wanted to work in galleries. She emphasizes that she just wanted to pursue a career in the arts and made sure to garner as much experience possible to do so.

“As a student I attended all the art exhibitions on campus, went to free programs, took a range of art history classes, and interned at museums in various capacities. While I felt drawn to working in the arts, at that time I wasn’t sure which part of the field I wanted to pursue as my profession. I learned about different aspects of the field and often visited museums and galleries in New York City and Philadelphia.”

The gallery is free to all students and serves as a resource for all students, not just art students. With new events and exhibitions every semester there is always something new to learn from.

“Students are always welcome at the gallery! The gallery is open from 10 am- 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. We hope to see you soon!”