Kaplan Expresses his Artistic Talent in NYC

During his semester with the Program, Max Kaplan '09 (Washington and the Arts: The Intersection of the Global and the Local)  interned in the Development Office at the National Gallery of Art and worked with donors and benefactors to help increase funding required to secure future acquisitions of art and to support Gallery programming. 

"The William and Mary in Washington program has opened my eyes through critical observation and enriched my academic development while contributing to the work I am doing now, creating art and design within a historical context," said Kaplan.  "The program exposed us to enriching cultural and artistic experiences while the professors encouraged us to observe with a keen awareness and to embrace new perspectives in understanding art and culture. Moreover, I took away from the program a refined sensitivity for observation and an enhanced discipline for following through on projects."

Since working in Washington, Max has continued museum work in New York City at the Museum of Modern Art, The P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center and the Neue Galerie for German and Austrian Modern Art.

His experience with the Program also acted as a catalyst for the development of a strong sense of entrepreneurship. In September 2009, he founded MaxAvi®, a luxury scarf brand known for its whimsical and theatrical designs. "Each scarf represents a myriad of histories while maintaining the timeless integrity of art," he said.

Most recently, the costume designers who worked on the up and coming movie "The Runaways" included a series of original MaxAvi® scarves in the film.

Kaplan recommends his W&M in Washington Program experience to other students. "I enthusiastically encourage participation in the William and Mary in Washington Program to anyone who wishes to enrich their academic development while broadening their perspectives on art, culture, politics and international relations," said Kaplan.