CURRICULUM VITAE
Jay Etkin
Professional Info
Etkin's background focuses in on his passion for the arts, education, and community development. He is known for being a mentor to aspiring artists, leading innovative cultural opportunities in Memphis, and having a unique artistic vision. He's been noted as an, "Imaginative Leader."
Experience
Jay Etkin Gallery
1989 - present
Owner & Gallery Director
Formerly Cooper Street Gallery ('89-'99), Jay Etkin Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, Jay Etkin Gallery in Downtown Memphis ('99-'08), currently in Cooper Young. In addition to showcasing local, regional, and international artists, as well as ethnographic works, the gallery hosts a variety of charity events, film screenings, ballet and opera performances, weddings, corporate events, and more.
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The Memphis Museum of Tribal and Visionary Art
2016-present
Museum Founder & Future CEO
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Museum devoted to ethnographic art, with a focus on African and Latin American art forms. The development of a group of cultural centers/satellite locations that will impact many communities in Memphis. Programming for children, young adults, researchers, and college students. The satellite locations will be located in Orange Mound, Binghamton, and Soulsville. Etkin's team includes the Memphis Library System, University of Memphis, Rhodes College, LeMoyne Owen College, Memphis City Schools, and various community centers around Memphis. Memphis Museum Learning Center allows for students and researchers have closer experiences with the museum's collections.
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Arts in the Park
Early 2000s (11 years)
Chairman of Special Projects
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A Site Specific Outdoor Sculpture Concept at Arts in the Park
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Art City Kids
2010 - present
Director
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ArtCity Kids, Inc.: a 501c3 targeting at-risk
teens, with dance, theater, and visual arts programs.
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Education
Brooklyn College, New York
BFA in Fine Arts and Education
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Philip Pearlstein, American Realist Painter
Apprentice, 1970-1972, New York City
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New York Zen Study Center
Student of Zen Practice, early to mid-1970's
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Advising & Consulting
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Corporate Art Consultant: Paragon National Bank, Iberia Bank,
Union Planters, First Tennessee Bank, Wolf River Finance,
Commercial Bank & Trust, Baker Donaldson Law Firm, Conaway
Brown, Boyd Gaming, Crew Training International, City of
Memphis, Harrah’s Hotel Corporation, Holiday Inns, Hospital
Corporation of America, Hyatt, Kobiyashi Pharmaceuticals
(Osaka, Japan), Methodist Hospitals, Cochran Law Firm, Promus
Hotel Corporation.
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Collections Consultant: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
New Facilities, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital: Sculpture Garden
Development, Baptist Hospitals: New Facilities. (Ongoing)
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Collections Consultant: LeMoyne Owen College: Curated a collection
of African Tribal Art for the College. (Ongoing)
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Collections Consultant: Crystal Bridges Museum of American
Art: 50 Important Emerging and Established Contemporary Artists
including Judy Pfaff, William T. Wiley, Ke Francis, Roy Tamboli,
Joan Synder, Pam Cobb, and others. (Ongoing)
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Secondary Art Market Consultant for private collectors and
institutions. (Ongoing)
Collections Advisor: African Tribal Art and Latin American Art
(Ongoing)
Curator of Exhibitions: Leadership Memphis. Monthly
Exhibitions through 2014
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Collaborated with International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe
Opera, NM Women in the Arts, SF Community College
“Arts Build Community" Consultant with Commercial Developers
Lectures & Workshops ​
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Introducing Ethnographic Art to a Young Audience for the Purpose of Developing Art Workshops
Presented to the Memphis Library System
2018
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Professional Practices for Artists
Memphis College of Art, Marshall Arts, Jay Etkin Gallery, Santa Fe Community College, ongoing
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The Art of Business and The Business of Art
Developing Corporate Clients
The Dixon Gallery & Gardens
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Professional Career Overview
Artist Link
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Participated in a Panel on Developing Corporate Clients
Crosstown Arts
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Figuring Drawing
Adjunct Professor
Rhodes College, 1990s
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Figuring Drawing
Instructor
Jay Etkin Gallery, Ongoing
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Notable Exhibitions ​
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Poster Art for the Cooper Young Festival, 2018
Poster Art for South Main Arts Festival, 2009​
Pre-Columbian Cub Scouts, an installation at the Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN
Group of paintings featured in a group show at the Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN
Present Tense Exhibition at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Several one man shows at Le Mieux Gallery, New Orleans, LA
Exhibited at the Hopper House, Nyack, New York
Group shows at the Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock, AR
Bag O' Art featured in Washington Square Windows, New York
Installation at OK Harris Works of Art in SoHo, New York
Exhibited at University of Memphis, Rhodes College, University of Virginia
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Honors & Awards
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Recipient of Tennessee State Individual Artist Grant, 2008
Awarded Best in Show, Arts in the Park, Multiple years​
Best Drawing, Best Painting, Arts in the Park, Multiple years
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Memberships
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Member of Cooper Young Business Association, Current
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Board Member Santa Fe Gallery Association representing the Railyard Arts District, 2010 to 2012
Board Member of aSea Gallery (Association of Socially Engaged Artists) (Ongoing)
Past Member of Creative Santa Fe
Past Member Executive Committee Railyard Public Art Program
Past Member Executive Committee Railyard Arts District (RAD) Gallery Association
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