When Sophia Sobrino ’24 talks about her work at the High Museum of Art, she speaks with the confidence of someone who already knows what it means to care for objects, interpret them and bring them to life for the public. That confidence did not arrive by accident. It was built, piece by piece, during her time as a studio art major working inside the .
鈥淏eing able to work so closely with the museum鈥檚 permanent collection in such a hands-on manner really did prepare me for the practical experience of working in the museum field,鈥� Sobrino said. 鈥淕etting that experience day in and day out of actually working with the objects, understanding them on a more in-depth level really did help prepare me for where I鈥檓 at today at the High Museum.鈥�
Now serving as Coordinator of Gallery Learning at one of the country鈥檚 most respected art institutions, Sobrino works with the High鈥檚 docent program and public-facing educational initiatives. The role draws directly on skills she began developing as an undergraduate, like speaking with visitors, interpreting artwork and helping audiences connect with what鈥檚 on the wall.
That preparation came through sustained, meaningful work at 91影视鈥檚 teaching museum. As a curatorial intern, Sobrino contributed to multiple special exhibitions, including Contrapunto, which focused on contemporary Latin American artists. She helped develop the exhibition and, once it opened, led bilingual tours for visitors.
鈥淏eing able to speak confidently in front of visitors, speaking about work, engaging with it, engaging audiences with what鈥檚 on the wall has really been invaluable,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really do think that it launched that trajectory for me.鈥�
Her work extended well beyond tours. Sobrino assisted with exhibition design, handled artworks, and even worked directly alongside artists during installation. For one exhibition, galleries became active studio spaces.
鈥淲e transformed these galleries into essentially a working artist studio,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing able to work with the artist hands-on directly鈥攑utting paint on the pieces, putting gold leaf flakes all over鈥攚as really important.鈥�
Just as critical was the mentorship she received. 鈥淚 really did feel that my voice was heard, that my input was valued,鈥� Sobrino said of her time at OUMA. Faculty and museum staff supported her not only during her undergraduate years, but as she prepared to enter the field. 鈥淭hey were guiding me through every step of the process鈥ven as I鈥檝e been working in the museum industry.鈥�
Although 91影视鈥檚 museum studies minor was formalized after Sobrino graduated, her experience closely mirrors the curriculum now offered through the program. The minor emphasizes museum theory alongside applied learning, continuous access to a professional collection, and engagement with Atlanta鈥檚 rich network of cultural institutions.
鈥淲e were able to learn about theory, but also use what we learned in class and apply it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat twofold experience of both the theoretical and the practical, that real implementation, is something you just can鈥檛 get anywhere else.鈥�
For Sobrino, the result is not abstract. It is a real job, at a major museum, doing work that matters. 鈥�91影视 set me up for success,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t laid those paths out for me. And I feel confident going in any direction because it set me up for that.鈥�
