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Melissa Poliah
Program Lead, Humber Galleries, Humber College
Professional Background
Melissa Poliah is a seasoned arts administrator and manager, showcasing a wealth of experience accumulated over two decades within both non-profit and commercial gallery environments. Currently, she serves as the Program Lead at Humber Galleries at Humber College, where she brings her extensive knowledge and passion for the arts into her role, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape. Melissa’s multifaceted career includes direct experience with communications, art handling, exhibition planning, creative project management, appraisals, and fine art sales, making her a well-rounded professional in the industry.
Prior to her position at Humber Galleries, Melissa honed her skills in various high-profile roles. Notably, she was the Executive Associate and Administrative Officer at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, one of Canada’s leading contemporary art galleries. Her responsibilities at The Power Plant involved supporting artists and curators while facilitating dynamic exhibitions, which solidified her reputation for excellence in arts administration.
Before her tenure at The Power Plant, Melissa served as the General Manager and Appraisal Specialist at Mayberry Fine Art. In this role, she catered to a variety of clients, showcasing her expertise in art appraisal—assessing and valuing fine art pieces with precision and professionalism. Furthermore, Melissa contributed as an Associate Director at Hollander York Gallery, amplifying her administrative and managerial skills while deepening her commitment to showcasing art that resonates with diverse audiences.
Melissa began her career in a slightly different arena, working as a Sales Coordinator and Visual Merchandiser for Ralph Lauren divisions at Jones Apparel Group. Here, she learned the importance of aesthetic presentation and strategic marketing, skills that have proven invaluable throughout her career in the arts.
Education and Achievements
Melissa’s educational journey is as impressive as her professional one. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Specialized Honours in Art History, Drawing, and Printmaking from York University. During her studies, she developed a profound appreciation for various artistic disciplines, which continues to inform her understanding of contemporary art practices.
To further augment her capabilities in arts administration, Melissa pursued additional education at Humber College, focusing on Arts Administration and Strategic Planning. This coursework enabled her to refine her skills in managing arts organizations, including budgeting, program development, and strategic communication, ensuring she could effectively champion the arts in various capacities.
Melissa's ability to navigate complex artistic landscapes and her commitment to fostering an appreciation for the arts have led her to achieve numerous successes throughout her career. From orchestrating compelling exhibitions to managing intricate art sales and appraisals, Melissa has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the arts community.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Melissa has not only managed arts organizations but has also made significant contributions to the field. Her role at Humber Galleries involves leading innovative programming that engages students, artists, and the broader community. Melissa is recognized for her ability to cultivate relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from artists to art collectors, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and celebrated.
With her extensive background, Melissa has played a vital role in mentoring emerging artists and arts administrators, sharing her expertise and fostering new talent in the industry. Her influence extends beyond her immediate roles, as she actively participates in discussions about the future of art and cultural expression in Canada.
In summary, Melissa Poliah embodies the spirit of the arts community with her extensive experience, commitment to education, and passion for artistic expression. As she continues her journey at Humber Galleries, she remains a pivotal figure in shaping the future of arts administration, fostering creativity, and enriching the cultural fabric of her community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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