49 Oak is a flexible, experimental space where students gain real-world experience presenting their work to the public. Through pop-up shops, exhibitions, and project-based programming, students build essential professional skills; curating, installing, promoting, documenting, selling, and staffing exhibitions, under the guidance of Artists at Work and faculty mentors. During the summer, 49 Oak shifts its focus to showcasing work by the College’s alumni, strengthening professional networks and career pathways.

As a living laboratory, 49 Oak prepares students for the following:

Professional Exhibition Experience

• Ability to plan, curate, and install exhibitions and pop-up shops
• Experience working with timelines, budgets, and shared creative spaces
• Confidence presenting work to public audiences, clients, and collectors

Sales & Entrepreneurial Skills

• Experience pricing artwork and products
• Understanding point-of-sale systems, inventory, and customer interaction
• Preparation for freelance, self-employed, and small business models

Marketing & Promotion Skills

• Portfolio-ready documentation of exhibitions and work
• Experience writing artist statements, wall text, and promotional copy
• Understanding how to promote creative work through events, email, and social media

Project Management & Collaboration

• Experience working in teams with defined roles and responsibilities
• Ability to manage deadlines and deliverables tied to real outcomes
• Skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and professional communication

Career Pathways & Job Readiness

• Preparation for roles such as gallery assistant, exhibitions coordinator, studio assistant, arts administrator, or creative producer
• Transferable skills applicable to museum, nonprofit, retail, and creative industry jobs
• Clear articulation of skills and experience on résumés, CVs, and in interviews

Professional Networks

• Connections with faculty, visiting artists, and alumni
• Exposure to collectors, community partners, and the public
• Early professional credits that build momentum after graduation

Students and Alumni: If you are interested in hosting an exhibition or project at 49 Oak, email artistsatwork@meca.edu to set up a meeting.