Thriving in Gotham Art Scene

Mike Homer ’00, who is thriving in the New York City art scene, returned to campus as curator of the Grossman Gallery exhibition Building Steam, a showcase of works by emerging New York artists.

Homer is dealer’s assistant to the president (read: chaos wrangler) at PaceWildenstein in Manhattan. His daily work involves psychology (interacting with artists and dealers), salesmanship (suggesting works to clients), history (researching provenance), and logistics (coordinating which museum, gallery, or warehouse holds particular pieces among the firm’s thousands of artworks).

“The adrenaline that comes with the job reminds me of playing sports,” says Homer, an art major and member of the 1999 and 2000 Patriot League champion basketball teams. He also has curated shows at two galleries in the city.

“I’m interested in having my own space one day, to provide a platform for emerging and undiscovered artists,” he says. “Art will always be important because it is the currency of human exchange. It is how we share our ideas, feelings, and experiences with one another.”