Feature Stories 2020: Eden McKenna-Bateman '23: Art history major

The RISD Museum Guild is a group of local undergraduate students who promote representation, inclusion, and advocacy for student voices in the museum. Working together under the guidance of the RISD Museum’s Academic Programs staff, the Museum Guild develops projects and programs that highlight student interests, promote diversity and community engagement, and foster critical dialogue around by the art collection. Guild members are provided a stipend for the duration of their time as Museum Guild members, which is usually until graduation.

McKenna-Bateman was drawn to the program because of her interest in learning from others. The opportunity to be involved with a major teaching museum, while also meeting other undergraduates in her field, was a significant source of her attraction to the Museum Guild.

“I’m thrilled to be able to work with other undergraduates in the same environment and be able to represent UMass Dartmouth in the Museum Guild,” McKenna-Bateman said. “This is a very exciting program at one of the most dynamic and experimental art institutions in our area. We are proud of Eden McKenna-Bateman and believe she will be a terrific member of the RISD Museum Guild program,” said Rebecca Uchill, who teaches Art Education, Art History, & Media Studies at UMass Dartmouth's College of Visual & Performing Arts.

UMass Dartmouth's Art History program is invested in promoting critical thinking about current issues in art interpretation, including through the study of curatorial and exhibition history, theory, and practice.

This is a very exciting program at one of the most dynamic and experimental art institutions in our area. We are proud of Eden McKenna-Bateman and believe she will be a terrific member of the RISD Museum Guild program.”