Who is Niki Bombshell?

Born and raised in New Jersey, Niki has always had a creative eye. Since moving to Philadelphia almost 20 years ago; Miss Bombshell has become a bit of a Jacqueline of all trades when it comes to the art world. Niki started her art career in the Philadelphia underground at the early age of 19,Taken under the wing of a graffiti artist that will remain nameless, giving Niki gigs painting live at bars, warehouse parties, and underground art themed ragers. Since spending several years at Moore College of Art and Design to fine tune her craft and learn a few new ones, she took the fine arts route with her career for a few years. Niki then trained to become a curator at a Moore College of Art and Design. Graduating in 2015 she learned the ins and outs of how a gallery works, as well as the chaos behind it all that few people see. Niki’s last noted accomplishment was running an independent art study from her finished basement.

What does Niki Bombshell stand for?

The fighter pilots in WWII used to have beautiful “Bombshells” painted on their planes. Why? It gave them something to pine for. There was a lady somewhere (be it real or painted on) that gave them a reason to keep going; a reason to live! The concept is that women should feel this way about themselves. It embodies a sense of self-esteem that is lacking today. It’s not letting someone try to tell you that you don’t deserve something great. It’s not being afraid to be whoever you want to be; beautiful, vibrant, and obnoxiously colorful.

The work itself shows a moderately different side of things. It’s gritty, over emotional, and downright messy! Beauty carries many sides, being able to show them all that you are gorgeous. Find an Outlet for your energy and blow it up! Pretty can be Ugly and Ugly can be Pretty. It’s all a matter of who is looking at whom, so why judge someone based on appearances, because you never know who is looking at you.

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Summary

Well-rounded creative professional pursuing a nonprofit/office run opportunity to leverage 15 years of arts industry experience. Enthusiastic and energetic with a drive for utilizing team collaboration to foster ground-breaking creative projects, I am looking to combine both my varied work with people and my ideas about art and accessibility. In order to successfully apply all learned concepts to and from multiple aspects of this industry and bring adaptability to your organization due to varied knowledge of multiple industries under the creative umbrella.

Skills

Social media savvy (Facebook, Facebook business, Instagram, Wix, and Wordpress)
MAC and PC proficient
Art Handling and installation
Proficient with Mailchimp
Art gallery maintenance
Proficient in CounterPoint POS software
Proficent in MIP accounting software
Proficient in Microsoft office suite
Adequate in Quickbooks for nonprofits
Experience with Salesforce/PatronManager

Advertising, creating Promotional materials
Artist, Sales and Public relations
Copy editing
Proofreading
Grammar skills
Relationship development
Administrative support
Business operations
Planning and coordination
Project organization
Proficient in AuctionFlex software
Proficient in historical, creative and administrative research and development

Experience

2019

Administrative Trainee

Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival － Philadelphia, PA

Short term training program to gain experience in an arts based nonprofit setting.
Was responsible to gathering spreadsheet data, contacting clients for donation requests, and processing Quickbooks accounting information. I also was able to learn how to use salesforce software.
Served as central point of contact for all outside vendors needing to gain access to building.
Sorted incoming mail and disseminated all correspondence to applicable departments.
Tracked expenses and documented records using Quickbooks and Salesforce.
Created agendas, took minutes and prepared documents for meetings.
Wrote email messages, memos and business letters for management and proofread all documentation to provide error-free correspondence.

2019

Marketing Director/Curator

Otherworldly Art Exhibit － Philadelphia, PA

Managed all affairs regarding non-art related vendors (i.e.

Food and alcohol).

Obtained free sponsorship and donations from several local Philadelphia venues.
Kept track of finances.
Helped decide on final say on which artists showed work.
Created and maintained steady positive relationships with local artists and vendors.
Managed the execution of advertising.
Set up and organized catering services.
Aided in creating policy and support.
Production assistance wherever necessary.

2017

Inventory/Exhibition Assistant

Material Culture Auction house － Philadelphia, PA

Managed the sorting and processing of auction items.
Oversaw the organization of current and past auction items.
Managed the shipment process and releasing of auction items to 3rd party shippers.
Gathered Auction items and prepares them for release along with their paperwork.
Processed payment of purchased items.
Helped with the installation of exhibitions and previews.
Maintained standard showroom and warehouse maintenance.
Prepared artifacts for exhibition while balancing item safety with aesthetic guidelines.
Inspected items closely, noting unique features, measurements, and cultural significance of each artifact.
Improved customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems

2016

Merchandise Manager (Fine arts department)

A.C. Moore - Philadelphia, PA

Ran and controlled the standard operations of the art supplies department.
Contributed to the art supplies department being the top selling department in the store.
Processed returns and store credit programs and transfers to other stores in the company.
Changed planograms and store displays weekly in compliance with what corporate requests.
Handled the safe counts and counts the money for tils nightly.
Controlled shrink rate for art supplies department.
Contributed to making sure the stock on the shelves is full and current to that weeks' planogram.
Maintained records of inventory stock and shrinkage by conducting product audits every week.
Planned and executed in-store promotional events to increase customer engagement and sales revenues.
Placed prices and descriptive signage to enhance displays and promote items.
Updated seasonal displays such as windows and mannequins to highlight current product lines.
Developed creative visual merchandising campaigns to focus on selling older inventory.

2016

Bookstore Manager/REtail art buyer

The New Museum － New York, NY

Ran and controlled general retail operations for the museum's bookstore.
Contributed to the buying process via art and products sold in the store.
Contributed to the processing of sales numbers for the accounting department by entering invoices and sales numbers in MIP accounting software.
Contributed to the hiring/firing process i.e.
Interviewing and training also the separation process.
Significant increase in stores numbers since initial hire date (over 40% increase in comparison to LY).
Processed orders received through Amazon.com.
Responsible for front display window and visual merchandising for store.
Contributed to copy editing process for the museum stores website.
Processed Invoices for new and returning products.
Executed new training initiative to improve skills and develop leaders from within.
Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamline procedures and improve bottom-line profitability.
Oversaw personnel recruitment, performance and scheduling.
Greeted and assisted all customers daily in high-traffic retailer.
Coached new team members on job tasks and performance strategies.
Analyzed employee workloads to meet seasonal fluctuation needs.

2014

Assistant to Fine arts administration/Visitor Services and Educational Intern

Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans/Prospect 3. New Orleans － New Orleans, LA

Organized lists and programs involved with upcoming events via Excel.
Organized lists of arts studios for visiting curators in order to create future showings.
Drafted emails to artists for future showcases and events.
Made connections during networking events.
Helped organize the flow of large-scale events.
Brought in initially to work for and help organize Whitney White Linen Night on August 2nd 2014 Prospect v.3 - New Orleans.

Organized contact lists and programs involved with volunteering for and learning about the events of Prospect.3.

Went into possible volunteer venues to obtain information for P.3 helped organize the flow of large-scale events.
Helped draft signage and promotional materials for upcoming P.3 events.
Helped with the setup process of The Dirty Linen Party on August 9th 2014 CFEVA (Center for Emerging Visual Artists) in association with Art in the Open.

2007 - 2010

Director

James Oliver Gallery － Philadelphia, PA

Ran the everyday operations of a commercial art gallery space, tasks included: selecting artworks, marketing, public relations, finance manager, light construction, event host, bartender, and administrative work.
Drove profit increases by leveraging market knowledge and natural leadership talents.
Estimated materials and labor requirements to complete jobs within budgetary and timeline requirements.
Checked all areas of building to verify working order and cleanliness.
Recruited, trained and managed volunteers.
Maintained community-based customer relationship management (CRM) database by entering data for referrals and appointments.
Built strong network of outside referral sources within community.
Cultivated and maintained premier client-base portfolio.

Education and Training

Gallery Work Experience:

worked with people with the ideas about art and accessibility

Successfully apply all learned concepts to and from multiple aspects of this industry
Bring adaptability to your organization due to varied knowledge of multiple industries under the creative umbrella

Education

Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia PA

Major: 2D Fine Arts Minor: Illustration

Readmitted 9/2013

Major: Curatorial studies Minor: Business

Awards:

Moore College of Art and Design Dean's list for Fall 2013 through Spring of 2014

W.W.Smith scholarship awardee 2013 - 2015

Graduated May 2015 with a of GPA – 3.94

Other Experience

Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival – Administrative trainee to learn how to work in an arts-based nonprofit (September 2019 – November 2019)

AirBNB – House host/hospitality manager (September 2018 – Present)

Broadwayworlddance.com – Dance Critic and writer (August 2015 – Present)

Goorin Bros. Hat Shop – Merchant/Keyholder (September 2014 –Present)

Make-Up Artists Assistant for Michael Connor/MAC make-up

Assists head artist with the basic prep, make-up application, and clean up (October 2012 - Present)

Salsita Studios

Philadelphia, PA

Curator/Arts Founder (September 2009 – May 2010)

Transformed a dance studio into a successfully functioning arts space.

Curated Exhibitions:

“(ARTD)”

Travelling arts fair/showcase for artists and non-artists to create in a comfortable but still curated setting (September 2017 – Present)

“7 Deadly Mournings”

OneFiftyOne Gallery (July 2017)

“Last Call…”

Moore College of art and design’s thesis exhibition (April 2015 – May 2015)

Founder/Curator/Vendor (2010 - 2012)

Arts fair throughout the Philadelphia region focusing on showcasing out of bars and alternative spaces.

Researched and booked venues

Researched and book various artists, musicians, dancers, and performance art Marketing and advertising

The Icebox Project at Crane Arts- 1400 N. American street – December 2013 – Present

Title: Research intern

James Oliver Gallery- 723 Chestnut street fourth floor

Title: Personal assistant promoted to Director/acting owner– September 2007 – June 2010

Salsita Studios- 1624 south street, Philadelphia PA 19146, Title: Curator:September 2009 – May 2010
“Art in the dark” - Founder/curator/vendor-Continued traveling arts fair.

Founded March 2010 to 2012

Marathon bar,- Tenth and Walnut streets, November 08-June 09

Title: Live painter/Booking manager

Showing Exhibitions:

“Pancakes and Booze art show Philadelphia 2018” – (January 2018)
“A quiet street gallery (Online exhibition) – (October 2017 – Present)
“Group showing at Profound Music and Art” –group exhibition (July 2015 – September 2015)
“Benefit v. Fourteen” - group exhibition- charity event- Crane arts building, (February 8 2014)

“Benefit v. Thirteen” - group exhibition- charity event- Crane arts building, (February 15 2013)

“Benefit v. Thirteen” - group exhibition- charity event- Crane arts building, 1400 N.American street – February 15th 2013

“The Shakedown” - group vending event – The Blockley Pourhouse, 38th and Chestnut street – daytime vending event- January 22nd 2013

“Day of the Dead party” -group exhibition- The magic garden, 9th and South street– One night showing – November 1st 2012

“All mixed up” - group exhibition – Littlebar gallery, 8th and Fitzwater street, July 28th – August 27th 2012

“PROCESS” - group exhibition – Aktion Gallery, 535 south street, July 22 – August 21st 2011

“the Last Minute Art show” - co-founder-Group exhibition, Bob and Barbara's lounge, 1501 south street Philadelphia PA, May 4th 2010

“Niki Bombshell at Beauty Shop café”, solo exhibition, Beauty shop , 2001 Fitzwater street, Philadelphia PA, October 16th – November 11th 2009
“Dragnet: the art show”, SAGE Project gallery ,333 South street, Group Exhibition, July 19th - August 30th 2009

"BANG! An evening with Niki Bombshell” Salsita Gallery, 1624 South street,Solo exhibition, April 4th- June 4th, Opening reception April 4th 2009 - Artist on exhibit, Public relations, talent booking, event organizer, curator, promotions, designer
Cosi café on 2nd street, 215 Lombard street, Solo exhibit, hanging from September 08-November 08-Artist on exhibit, Public relations,event organizer, curator, promotions

Canvas Clash' 08 charity competition, LOVE Park, Charity event September 08, Group exhibition First Friday October 08

Canvas Clash '07 Charity Crafts fair On top of the roof at Whole Foods 10th and South Streets, July '07, Vendor, live painter(canvas and body)

Gallery show at the Highwire Gallery for Project Home -July '06

Gallery show for the Women Against Abuse(WAA) - The Raven Lounge(formerly QUEUE)-‘06

Readmitted August 2013:

Major: Curatorial studies

Minor: Business

Relevant Coursework:

Introduction to Art History – Fall/Spring 2002-2003

Modern Art – Spring 2004

Working and Thinking as a Curator- Fall 2013

Visual Anthropology – Fall 2013

Marketing – Fall 2014

Entrepreneurship – Fall 2014

Exhibitionism – Fall 2014

Art as social change – Fall 2014

Thesis I – Fall 2014

Theory, Criticism, Aesthetics – Spring 2014

Curatorial Methods – Spring 2014

Thesis II – Spring 2015

Critical approaches in writing – Spring 2015

Business communications – Spring 2015

Accounting – Spring 2015

Entertainment:

“Fresh Girl” by Travis Sueren, Music Video, Principle Role, February 2009

“The Best Damn Tech Show,Period” Podcast, “Geek Chick Nic”, cast member, product reviewer, public relations,advertising: December 2006 – January '2008

Print work:

Commission project – poster for the Fringe festival “the Acting Class”the play

Commissioned by Kenneth Mcgregor – July 2010

Special Achievements:

Commission project – poster for the Fringe festival “the acting class”the play
Published in Passional Magazine's November 05 issue
Teaching at the University City Arts League (UCAL) - 2006
Chief administrative assistant and curator for James Oliver Gallery - Show write up in Philadelphia weekly and Philadelphia CityPaper
Published passional's 2005 arts issue
teacher for the university arts league(UCAL) -2006
Artist in residence for Project home event at Highwire Gallery
Artist in residence at charity event for Women Against Abuse(WAA)
Featured artist on Tracey Coretta's arts blog

Readmitted 9/2013

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Salsita Studios

Philadelphia, PA

Curator/Arts Founder (September 2009 – May 2010)