Claire Vance
Art Gallery Manager | Contemporary Art Administration & Exhibitions
Chicago
Professional Summary
Experienced art gallery manager with a background in contemporary exhibition management, gallery logistics, and collector stewardship in Chicago.
Demonstrated success coordinating fine art shipping and handling, directing seasonal exhibition schedules, and overseeing commercial gallery administration.
Professional Experience
Prairie Modern Art Space
Chicago, IL
Gallery Manager
May 2018 – Present
- Direct day-to-day operations, gallery staffing, and exhibition schedules for a contemporary art space presenting six major shows annually.
- Oversee art handling, detailed condition reporting, specialized fine art shipping, and insurance documentation for high-value loans.
- Manage gallery consignment agreements, sales pipelines, and inventory tracking using Artlogic software.
- Coordinate exhibition openings, artist panels, and private collector previews, increasing annual event attendance by 28 percent.
Halsted Bridge Fine Arts
Chicago, IL
Assistant Gallery Manager
Sep 2013 – Apr 2018
- Assisted the gallery director with exhibition floor planning, artwork installation, and exhibition catalog production.
- Managed client inquiries, collector correspondence, and domestic transit logistics for sold inventory.
- Supervised gallery receptionists and docents during neighborhood gallery walks and seasonal art fairs.
Education
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts · Visual and Critical Studies · Chicago, IL · Cum Laude · Sep 1999 – May 2003
Curriculum focused on modern and contemporary art history, curatorial practices, collections care, and gallery administration.
Exhibitions & Projects
Midwestern Contemporary Sculpture Showcase
Mar 2024 – Sep 2024
- Coordinated spatial layout, crating logistics, and mount installations for 14 large-scale sculptural works across two galleries.
- Supervised lighting configuration, object labeling, and print catalog proofing for a two-month curated presentation.
Core Competencies
Gallery Operations
Exhibition Planning
Art Handling & Conditioning
Artist & Collector Relations
Artlogic Inventory System
Consignment & Loan Agreements
Fine Art Logistics & Insurance
Print Catalog Production
Special Event Coordination
Languages
English
C2
French
B2
Certifications
Certificate in Art Business and Appraisal Fundamentals
American Society of Appraisers · Nov 2016
Community Involvement
Chicago Artists Guild
Chicago, IL · Jan 2021 – Present
- Exhibition Committee Advisor
- Advise emerging regional artists on portfolio assembly, framing standards, and commercial gallery submission protocols.