Kéla Jackson
About Kéla Jackson
Kéla Jackson is a Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellow at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has worked since 2016. She focuses on the African diaspora in her curatorial work and has curated exhibitions that connect African and African American artists.
Work at High Museum of Art
Kéla Jackson has been serving as a Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellow at the High Museum of Art since 2016. In this role, she engages in various curatorial activities, including shadowing experienced curators to gain practical insights into the field. Her work focuses on the African diaspora, and she has curated a small exhibition that highlights connections between African and African American artists. Jackson collaborates closely with Katherine Jentleson, a mentor specializing in Folk/Self-Taught art, to enhance her understanding of curatorial practices.
Education and Expertise
Kéla Jackson studied at Spelman College from 2015 to 2019, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Art History. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her curatorial work, particularly in understanding the cultural significance of art within the African diaspora. Jackson's education is complemented by her participation in a ten-week summer internship at the High Museum of Art, which was part of the Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship program.
Background
Kéla Jackson attended South Point High School from 2011 to 2015. Following her high school education, she briefly worked at Chuck E. Cheese's in Irving, Texas, as a Cast Member and Kitchen Staff in 2015. This early work experience provided her with skills in customer service and teamwork, which are beneficial in her current role in the museum sector.
Achievements
As a Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellow, Kéla Jackson has made significant contributions to the High Museum of Art. She has curated an exhibition that explores the relationships between African and African American artists, showcasing her commitment to highlighting the African diaspora in her curatorial work. Additionally, she participates in monthly sessions that allow her to shadow curators, further developing her expertise in the field.