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My Internship Experience at Enanka Art Gallery in Nairobi
In May 2024, I started my internship at Enanka Art Gallery, a growing Art gallery in Nairobi, I had no idea how enriching and transformative the next couple of weeks would be.
The journey was a blend of creativity, learning, and hands-on experience that has deepened my appreciation for arts and given me invaluable skills for my future endeavors.
Week 1: Getting Oriented
The first week was all about understanding the inner workings of the gallery. I occupied myself by learning about the various products and services offered by Enanka Art Gallery. From stunning paintings to unique pottery pieces, the gallery is a treasure trove of creativity.
With social media playing a crucial role in the gallery’s operations, I was brought up to speed about managing customer engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It was fascinating to see how these platforms are used not just for marketing, but also for building a vibrant art community. The highlight was understanding the intricacies of running exhibitions, events, and classes. Observing how each event was properly planned and executed gave me a newfound respect for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into presenting art to the public.
Week 2: A Dive into the World of Art
The second week marked the beginning of my hands-on art projects. I completed my first woman-themed painting, an exploration of feminine strength and beauty. It was a deeply personal project, and I was proud of the final piece.
Attending an exhibition at Sarit Center was another highlight. It was an eye-opening experience to see how art is presented in a professional setting and to observe the interaction between the artists and the audience. Later, I visited an art studio in Kikuyu, where I gained insights into the processes and challenges faced by professional artists.
I also had the pleasure of helping organize and run a sip-and-paint event. This event combined art with a social atmosphere, and it was rewarding to see participants, many of whom were new to painting, creating their masterpieces while enjoying a relaxed evening.
Week 3: Balancing Art and Community
In the third week, I worked on my second woman-themed painting and applied textured finishing to my first painting. Experimenting with texture added a new dimension to my artwork and pushed me to think outside the box. 
I assisted in running an art class, which was a fantastic opportunity to interact with art students and share my passion for art. Collecting and documenting feedback from the gallery’s community was also a critical task that week. It allowed me to understand the audience’s preferences and helped in reworking the gallery’s activity schedule to better meet their needs. We also started planning for a kick-off online art exhibition, which taught me a lot about the logistics and creative considerations required for a virtual art exhibition.
Week 4: Deepening Engagement
The fourth week was about refining my approach based on community feedback. I reworked the activity schedule for the gallery, ensuring it was more engaging and aligned with the interests of our audience.
I completed my third woman-themed painting, focusing on depicting various aspects of femininity. This week also saw me assisting in another art class and a pottery event. Although pottery was not a new experience for me, I enjoyed the tactile nature of working with clay.
I attended another exhibition at Village market, gaining further exposure to the professional art world. Each exhibition was a learning experience, providing me with insights into how art can be curated and displayed to captivate audiences.
Week 5: Climax of Learning
In the final week, I completed my fourth woman-themed painting, which was a portrayal of the skills and techniques I had learned during my internship.
Assisting in an art class and an art event, I felt more confident and capable in my role. I also attended a pottery training session, which solidified my artistic interest in exploring
different art forms.
Reflection
My time at Enanka Art Gallery was a rich experience that allowed me to grow both as an artist and a professional. Each task, from creating art to engaging with the community, contributed to a deeper understanding of the art world. I leave this internship with a heart full of gratitude and a mind buzzing with creative ideas for the future.
Julia Shisia
Professional Visual Artist based in Kenya
