1.
July 17, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to certify that Aaron Kissman was employed by the San
Francisco Art Institute from August 2013 through May 2015.
Aaron worked with us in two important roles on campus: as Co-director of
the Diego Rivera Gallery and as Gallery Assistant in the Walter and McBean
Galleries. A summary of his duties in these two positions is below:
Co-Director, Diego Rivera Gallery, SFAI
August 2014 to May 2015
ABOUT THE DIEGO RIVERA GALLERY:
The Diego Rivera Gallery, home to SFAI’s historic Diego Rivera Mural, is a
student-directed exhibition space for work by SFAI students. The gallery
provides an opportunity for students from all academic programs to present
their work or curate in a gallery setting; to use the space for large-scale
installations; or to experiment with artistic concepts and concerns in a public
venue.
Students submit applications for exhibitions in November and March
annually, and a jury of alumni selects the artists who will exhibit. Students
may apply to have an individual show, to participate in a group show, or to
curate a show. About 40 shows per year are scheduled and close to 200
students exhibit each year.
The gallery is administered by two co-directors who act as liaisons between
the SFAI staff and student artists, providing technical assistance and
ensuring that each show has a professional appearance.

2. DUTIES INCLUDE:
Maintain the schedule of shows and opening receptions including organizing
the yearly 'call for entries,' collating show submissions and proposals, and
present the applications to the assembled jury
Maintain files on exhibitions and participants, including processing stipends.
Coordinate and supervise weekly gallery installation, and receptions, and de-
installations
Host weekly artists talks and openings on Tuesday nights
Oversee exhibition planning process and student compliance with gallery
procedures as a prerequisite for issuing exhibition stipends. Ensure regular
updates to written gallery guidelines. Requires frequent communication with
Facilities and AV departments.
Hold workshops on curation and installations to artists in need of assistance
Co-curate the annual continuing MFA Exhibition
Maintain inventory of tools, supplies, and equipment.
Occasional gallery improvements and maintenance including wall repair,
painting, etc.
Gallery Assistant, Walter and McBean Galleries, SFAI
August 2013 to May 2015
ABOUT THE GALLERY ASSISTANT POSITION:
Exhibitions and Public Programs maintains a staff of six to ten student
employees with variable hours. Each assistant position encompasses a wide
variety of tasks related to research, artist support, installation, maintenance,
and administration of the exhibitions and public programs developed by
SFAI.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
Gallery Monitoring: Once the exhibition is installed, the gallery assistant
monitors the gallery during public hours, providing security, routine
maintenance and cleaning. Maintain media equipment, monitor gallery
attendance, be knowledgeable and friendly to the public about programs,
Candidates must be comfortable interacting with the public.
Hosting Receptions/Special Events: Coordinate opening receptions and
special events, maintain visitor counts, set up/dismantle food/beverage
tables, hosting, cleaning up.
Exhibition Installation: Spackling and painting walls, preparing
registrarial/condition reports for artwork, handling/installing artwork, working
directly with the Chief Preparator and exhibiting artists on installation,
lighting exhibitions, general gallery maintenance and cleaning.

3. Aaron additionally managed a major archiving project where he recorded
and organized gallery attendance for the past five years.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about Aaron’s
qualifications. I am happy to provide a letter of reference upon request.
All best,
Hesse McGraw
Vice President for Exhibitions and Public Programs
hmcgraw@sfai.edu | tel. +1 415.749.4580