Samantha Belden
Torrance
Summary
Operations Manager with over ten years of experience in different facets of the art world; experience ranges from proper installation and handling of artworks to efficiently managing small and large scale operational related projects at a fast-paced gallery. Key strengths include big picture and small picture awareness, quick adaption to changing needs, and healthy, but fair team management. Strong awareness of time management, how to set and meet expectations, and how to bridge goals across multiple teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
BLUM
Los Angeles
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Manage and coordinate projects related to studio returns and winding down the business in collaboration with registration team and directors
Warehouse Manager
BLUM
Los Angeles
12.2023 - 07.2025
- Manage and oversee operations at the warehouses
- Oversee the proper packing of artworks for transport and storage
- Oversee receiving and releasing artworks and loading and off-loading trucks
- Manage and oversee the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions at the gallery
- Manage a crew of art handlers at the warehouses and the gallery
- Train employees on proper procedures, art handling techniques, and art storage movement
- Coordinate and manage projects related to art fairs, exhibitions, consignments, studio returns, storage needs and client viewings. Projects range from local collections, local deliveries, condition reporting, international consolidated shipments and photography.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Logistics and Operations team in order to stay on track with daily, weekly, monthly operations needs of the gallery
- Alongside the Operations team, create installation schedules, create and review installation manuals, help oversee weekly Operations meetings
Lead Art Handler
BLUM
Los Angeles
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Installation and movement of artworks in gallery and warehouse, organize and track inventory in warehouse, help receive/release artworks and loading/off-loading trucks, prepare packing material and properly execute packing of artworks
- In 2023, promoted to a lead art handler for the warehouse due to ability to leadership skills and detail-oriented nature
- Managed a six month private collection overhaul project with a high-pressure deadline to condition report and assess all artworks in the gallery's private collections
Art Handler
Hammer Museum
Los Angeles
01.2018 - 06.2022
Art Handler
Academy Museum
Los Angeles
01.2021
Art Handler
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago
01.2014 - 05.2016
Education
BA - Photography
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL01.2016
Skills
- Time management
- Strategic planning
- Attention to detail
- Troubleshooting and problem solving
- Team building/leadership
- Logistics oversight
- High-pressure environments
Timeline
Operations Manager
BLUM
07.2025 - 12.2025
Warehouse Manager
BLUM
12.2023 - 07.2025
Lead Art Handler
BLUM
10.2021 - 12.2023
Art Handler
Academy Museum
01.2021
Art Handler
Hammer Museum
01.2018 - 06.2022
Art Handler
Museum of Contemporary Photography
01.2014 - 05.2016
BA - Photography
Columbia College Chicago