Alana J. Coates is a curator, educator, and arts professional. She has held director positions in private and academic galleries in Rhode Island, Texas, and Pennsylvania. As a current Ph.D. student at the University of New Mexico, she is focusing on contemporary art in the Americas and writing a monograph on the work of Jesse Amado.
Education
Ph.D. Student in Art History, Expected graduation in 2026
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Research focuses on Contemporary U.S. Art
M.A. Master of Art History 2012
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Research focused on the art of Mexico from the 18th Century to Contemporary Latino & Chicano Art
Master’s Thesis: “Casta Paintings Revisited: The Case for Single-Panel Analysis and Artist Agency”
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership 2012
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
B.A. Bachelor of Arts 2005
University of Rhode Island, Kingstown, RI
Focus on Printmaking & Photography
B.A. Bachelor of Art History 2005
University of Rhode Island, Kingstown, RI
Additional Coursework
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, San Antonio, TX: Spanish
Harvard University Extension School, Cambridge, MA: Introduction to Museum Studies and Preservation and Conservation of Museum Collections
Professional Experience
Director of Exhibitions
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Lancaster, PA
September 2019 – May 2021
Curator of Collections and Exhibitions
Freedman Gallery at Albright College, Reading, PA
September 2018 – October 2019
Associate Director
Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, TX
September 2013 – July 2018
Adjunct Instructor
Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, TX
September 2013 – December 2016
Development Administrative Assistant
San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, TX
August 2012 – Sept 2013
Project Assistant for Artist Rolando Briseño
San Antonio, TX
June 2010 – November 2010
Membership & Sponsorship Coordinator
Gallery Night Providence, RI
October 2007 – August 200
Assistant Director
Gallery Z, Providence, RI
January 2005-August 2009
Symposiums Organized
Art & Environment, February 19 & 20, 2019, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Curatorial Committee Experience
Public Art Committee, San Antonio Arts Commission, Curatorial Committee 2018
Luminaria, Curatorial Committee, 2018
Artist Selection Panel Participant, Public Art San Antonio (PASA) 2013 | Pearsall Park
Select Awards
CAMMIE Award for curating the exhibition Thread at Clamp Light Gallery, Awarded by Artpace, Contemporary Art Month San Antonio, 2018
Volunteer Work Highlights
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, San Antonio, TX, January 2012-2015
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Library and Archives, Summer 2011
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum in collaboration with VSA (Vision, Strength, Access Arts of Rhode Island) Art classes for Adults with developmental disabilities, 2003
Residencies
Arquetopia Foundation & International Artist Residency, Puebla, Mexico. June 7 – July 19, 2021
East Topics Curatorial Residency Budapest, Hungary. April 8-19, 2019
Alana J. Coates 