
Emma Vescio
UX Researcher & SEO Specialist in Chicago, she/they
looking for new projects, collaborators, friends, etc.! feel free to message me :~)
About
UX Researcher & SEO Specialist | hibernating curator
Work Experience
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Conducted user research through interviews, surveys, and usability testing to identify user needs and behaviors by developing reports and personas to share insights with internal teams and clients, fostering a user-centered design approach.
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Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define research objectives and develop actionable plans aligned with strategic goals, analyzing research findings to provide clear, actionable recommendations that informed design strategies and improved user experiences.
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Managed digital marketing campaigns, resulting in an average 20-30% increase in organic traffic while analyzing data using GA4, SEOMonitor, Moz, and SEMRush.
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Conducted extensive keyword research, created local SEO campaigns, and implemented SEO strategies to improve search rankings using tools like KeywordTool, Google Business Profiles, and BrightLocal.
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Cultivated strong client relationships by maintaining high energy and responsiveness, ensuring timely delivery of services, and creating Looker Studio reports for clients to easily access their data.
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Curated 10+ exhibitions at galleries including: AAP's Exhibition Space, Harlan Gallery, PULLPROOF Studio, and The Union Hall, showcasing emerging and established artists across various mediums.
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Led the conceptualization, planning, and execution of exhibitions such as Alone, Together and Find Your Way Home, collaborating with artists to craft narratives that resonated with diverse audiences.
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Coordinated all aspects of exhibition design and installation, ensuring seamless visitor experiences and adherence to project timelines.
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Fostered relationships with local and national artists, institutions, and sponsors to secure funding and resources for exhibitions.
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Developed engaging event programming for gallery audiences, including artist talks, workshops, and community events, increasing foot traffic and visitor engagement.
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Conducted curatorial research to develop thematic and cohesive exhibitions, such as Into the Light and Joy Takes Time emphasizing innovative artistic practices and cultural dialogue.
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Managed marketing and promotion efforts for exhibitions through social media, press releases, and community outreach, achieving increased visibility and attendance for gallery shows.
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Adapted exhibitions to accommodate various digital platforms during the pandemic, maintaining strong audience engagement and showcasing artists' work virtually.
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Collaborated with gallery teams and artists to curate large-scale exhibitions, such as A Better Home and Garden and By Means of Play, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, thought-provoking installations.
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Planned and executed the exhibition Joy Takes Time, showcasing eight U.S.-based artists.
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Delivered constructive criticism on students’ work and discussed their practices during studio visits.
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Lectured on contemporary practices in artists' work for studio and freshman art history students.
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Taught craft-based art projects to visiting children and families.
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Worked with a team of educators in a high-energy teaching environment, empowering children to try new skills.
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Encouraged creativity, imagination, and divergent thinking to foster exploration and curiosity.
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Practiced non-biased teaching, asked exploratory questions, and promoted collaborative discovery.
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Managed the logistical and financial aspects of exhibitions in conjunction with board members.
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Constructed exhibition plans, budgets, and curatorial supplements.
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Planned 23 immersive, experience-based exhibitions with residency artists and the team.
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Raised funds through event planning and donation-based fundraisers.
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Oversaw marketing plans and collaborated with designers to leverage social media engagement and drive attendance.
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Taught week-long intensive summer camps, providing sprint-style camps to teach one artistic skill.
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Instructed Saturday art workshops for semester-long exploration and created a comfortable environment for relationship-building.
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Motivated students to discuss artworks and led question-based discussions to encourage abstract thinking.
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Planned Saturday morning art activities for children to encourage exploration of contemporary art.
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Led discussion-based tours with museum patrons.
Side Projects
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Founded and currently lead an alternative school called Untitled___School focused on providing accessible and comprehensive art history education (and other topics) to students.
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I teach art history courses, covering a wide range of topics from classical to contemporary art, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of visual culture. Also, running and asking artists to participate in artist talks on their work.
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I currently oversee a team of educators, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure high-quality instruction and a collaborative teaching environment.
A screenshot below of a lecture we did with Centa Schumacher
Exhibitions
** Aleem Hurst and Dyvika Peel **
Not completely in agreement with this article, but does record the show we all worked on. I only have pictures of Aleem's side.
***NULL ISLAND*** was a duo-exhibition with Tsohil Bhatia and Shani Banerjee. Both artists have been working within meditative realms of photography, video, and sculpture in relation to the ocean and ideas of lonesomeness.
"With two walls of art flanking a table in the center laid out with various zines, art objects, and clothing and accessories for sale, the show — curated by Emma Vescio and PULLPROOF communications director Christina Lee — comes with a distinctively laid-back, unpretentious feel. Much of this is owed to the focus on combining so-called high-brow and low-brow aesthetics, with conventional approaches to art happily coexisting with bright, plastic, Lisa Frank-like flash."
I used to have a gallery above my closet. We had tiny exhibitions like this one. Fred curated this show.
*“Pocket is a collage and assemblage exhibition inspired by the precious and meaningless objects we carry around with us and the power of a collector to transform one into another. By shrinking the stage for these artworks to play on, the exhibition highlights the diminutive and the different ways small things can define, reveal, shape and connect us.”*
*By Means of Play* was an exhibition that explored celebratory and vibrant art-making as practices of self-care, expressions of joy, and political engagement. The exhibition featured both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works that highlighted intimate, joyful, and passionate moments.
Volunteering
I check on the fridges in my neighborhood & report back. Working on organizing food drives!
Education
Studied: History of Art and Architecture and poetry