Ken Saunders

Evanston, IL • 312-***-****

ad013y@r.postjobfree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/ken-saunders-b57746253

Retail Manager Team Leader Project Developer

Offering expertise in retail management, art education, exhibition management, and communications.

Multi-faceted Manager and Producer with expertise in all elements of business development, finance management, strategic planning, project coordination, and workflow optimization. Possess a dynamic background as the Director of an art gallery, an accomplished Exhibitor, and an art and music Instructor. Equipped with insight to plan unique events that promote development, sales, and publicity. Excel in acquiring investors and streamline communication for seamless events and collaboration.

Core Competencies

Retail Management

Sales Professional

Displays / Graphics

Marketing / Promotions

Customer Relations

Luxury Sales

Event Management

Logistics Coordination

Team Collaboration / Contracting

Timelines / Goal-Setting

Investor / Client Relations

Business Development

Professional Experience

KEN SAUNDERS GALLERY, Chicago, IL 1995 - Present

Director

Accelerate profitability and a loyal client base by sourcing and securing a high-quality artist roster and presenting their glass work at various events. Exhibit excellence in all areas of business development including operational infrastructure, strategic planning, finance management, marketing, and critical decision-making. Position artists for higher visibility and display artwork that aligns with organizational visions and standards of excellence.

·Conceptualized, developed, and launched Reflections of Living Legends (ROLL), interviewing notable artists.

·Enhance consumer access to artwork by delivering both digital archives and more than 150 exhibition catalogs.

·Serve as the President and active member of the Chicago Art Dealers Association since 1999.

·Spearhead a 7-person team and offer trusted leadership to support daily operations.

·Successfully tripled gross sales at $3M per year; became globally renowned as a top gallery for glass sculpture.

NEON & LIGHT MUSEUM, Chicago, IL 2022

Producer Manager

Navigated the fast-paced museum environment and prepared the exhibition including all strategic planning, resource allocation, venue build-out, and installation. Created and implemented project plans that optimized workflows and made the best use of time. Headed curation after analyzing art submissions and determining pieces that would appeal to target audiences and a loyal client base. Overcame unexpected challenges with minimal interruption to operations.

·Successfully executed the exhibition, which featured 65 national and global works.

·Added additional value to the exhibition by acquiring seminal work from artist Bruce Nauman.

·Exponentially increased expected profit by driving organic interest and eliciting 6K paid admissions.

·Earned recognition and coverage across well-known publications and networks including The Sun-Times, Tribune, Chicago Tonight, WBBM, Time Out, WGN-TV, ABC7, and FOX TV.

ONE WALL: KINGS OF CONEY ISLAND FEATURE FILM, Chicago, IL 2010 - 2013

Producer

Facilitated the successful transformation of an original short film idea to a well-crafted, fully-realized feature-length film. Introduced compelling storylines, developed relatable characters, and presented a clear vision. Secured buy-in from investors by pitching finely-tuned timelines, strategies, and goals that garnered trust. Made critical decisions on budgeting, scheduling, project coordination, and all elements of production.

·Exemplified sound judgment and an eye for talent by scouting for and hiring a Writer and Director.

·Relayed original vision to equip production teams to create a powerful narrative arc.

·Honored for top-tier work; awarded the Audience Choice Award at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival.

Additional Experience

Teacher, Art History Northwestern University (2 years)

Teacher, Music History Columbia College (3 years)

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Writing Columbia College, Chicago, IL

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