Biography
Astrid Ho has been the Open Studio Print Sales Manager and Archivist since 2004. She is also an Open Studio artist member since 1998 with a printmaking and painting background. She graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design with an Associate diploma, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University, and completed the OCAD study-abroad program in Florence, Italy.
In her position, Astrid has organized and curated various exhibitions, including Open Studio Print Sales Gallery, their booth at the Interior Design Show (2007-2012), Airspace Gallery (2007) and Malton Airport Gallery (2012), both at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and their Art Toronto booth (2011-2014). Astrid consults on and facilitates sales of original prints from the Open Studio Print Sales Gallery to various government, corporate, public and private collections, designers and consultants including the Bank of Montreal, the Canada Council Art Bank, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and TD Financial.
Statement of Intent
Astrid Ho is honoured to be one of the six selected mentorees of the OAAG Mentorship Program. Pat Macauley, Director of Visual Arts at Harbourfront Centre, was asked by Astrid to apply as her mentor and was also accepted into the program.
Through Pat’s guidance and perspective, she will learn about the operational and administrative side of organizational management; how to address various issues and topics from a director’s viewpoint; improve her management and governance skills; and to gain new experiences that she does not have access to in her current position. This opportunity also provides an exchange of ideas and skills, which will mutually benefit both organizations and the individuals involved.
The mentorship will consist of job shadowing the director, and co-curating an exhibition at Harbourfront with a guest curator and with Pat’s assistance. Astrid will observe and take notes on the mentor’s daily task, attend organizational meetings, and learn through the assigned responsibilities for the Harbourfront exhibition.
Through this program Astrid will attain new experiences and insight, as she integrates what she has learned into her existing role at Open Studio. The confidence and competence gained through this mentorship will prepare her for future opportunities in leadership roles.