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Serena Morelli
Photographer at Ragged Wing Ensemble/Art Studio teacher- IB International School/Italian Teacher and Translator
Professional Background
Serena Morelli is a multifaceted professional whose passions span photography, education, and cultural engagement. With a distinctive career that intertwines her artistic talents with her academic pursuits, she has become a notable figure in the fields of photography and arts education. Moving to the United States in 2011, Serena sought to broaden her professional horizons and immerse herself in a diverse cultural landscape. Her experiences living in various cities across Europe, Central America, and Asia have greatly influenced her artistic vision, as she brings a keen eye for cultural nuances into her photographic work.
Currently, Serena serves as a dedicated visual documentarian at The Flight Deck Theater in Oakland, where she leads a team of five videographers in capturing the vibrancy of theatrical performances and cultural events. Her role involves not just shooting and editing but also coordinating the archiving of visual documentation, ensuring that the rich tapestry of creative activity is well-preserved and accessible for future audiences.
Serena's past experience as a Stage Manager/Executive Manager at a 99-seat theater in Naples showcases her management skills and her ability to collaborate with a diverse group of talents, including actors, playwrights, and directors. Additionally, she made significant contributions to the Institute of Photographic Studies in Barcelona, Spain, where she played an instrumental role in establishing the first digital photo archive in the country, classifying and preserving a myriad of images ranging from architecture to fine arts.
Education and Achievements
Serena holds multiple master's degrees, having studied European Cultural Policies and Cultural Event Planning at Federico II University in collaboration with Hochschule Gorlitz. Furthermore, she earned another master's degree in Contemporary Literature from the same prestigious institution. This educational foundation, paired with her extensive professional experience, has equipped Serena with a unique skill set that combines artistic expression with cultural analysis and event management.
Throughout her career, Serena has been recognized for her contributions to the arts. Her work has been celebrated at various platforms; she was awarded "Artist of the Year" in 2014 during her tenure as the official photographer for the annual Divafest at the Exit Theatre in San Francisco. Additionally, her first solo photo show this past May is a testament to her creative vision and dedication to her craft.
Achievements
- Stage Manager/Executive Manager at 99-seat theater, Naples: Managed a talented team of 20 individuals, coordinating between actors, playwrights, and support staff, while also fulfilling photography duties to document productions.
- Institute of Photographic Studies, Barcelona: Key player in the creation of Spain's first digital photo archive, showcasing hundreds of classified images that cover a variety of sectors and artistic disciplines.
- Artist in Residence at the Exit Theatre: Recognized for her artistic contributions at one of San Francisco's vibrant cultural hubs, which exemplifies her commitment to community engagement through the arts.
- HMS Pinafore Production: Highlighted her skills as a stage manager for a large-scale musical production, coordinating the efforts of a sizeable cast and crew.
- Solo Photo Show: Successfully held her first solo exhibition in May, reflecting her development as an artist and her ability to captivate audiences through her work.
Serena Morelli's journey through the realms of photography and arts education illustrates her commitment to cultural diversity, artistic development, and community involvement. Her extensive background enables her to approach each project with insight and creativity, making her a valuable asset to any team or artistic endeavor.