A Reflective Presentation Hosted by Nina Gilbert and Savannah Woodson
On July 24th, 2025, G.A.S. Lagos hosted Internship Presentation, an evening of reflection led by Nina Gilbert and Savannah Woodson, two interns who joined G.A.S. Foundation through a partnership with Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective (AUC Collective). The event marked the conclusion of their internship, offering a glimpse into their evolving curatorial and artistic interests shaped by their experiences in Lagos.
Opening the session, Nina and Savannah shared personal reflections on their backgrounds and motivations for joining the programme. Nina, an Art History and Curatorial Studies major in her final year, spoke about her growing interest in research, public programming, and editorial work, which she explored through her involvement with the Ìmòra Arts Intensive and the forthcoming Re:assemblages Symposium. Savannah, a rising senior and visual artist from the U.S. Virgin Islands, discussed how her long-standing interest in the continent, rooted in her family history, intersected with her curatorial development through hands-on support in exhibition installation, documentation, communications, and assisting then-resident Dr. Tinashe Mushakavanhu in his reasearch.
They also highlighted the impact of various field visits on their understanding of the Nigerian art and cultural landscape. These included excursions to institutions such as the National Museum Lagos, Nike Art Gallery, O’DA Art Gallery, CBAAC, Yemisi Shyllon Museum, New Culture Studios, the G.A.S. Farm House in Ikiṣẹ, and the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode. They concluded their presentation by outlining their future aspirations and the ways they hope to carry forward the lessons, relationships, and questions developed during their time in Lagos.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees engaged the interns in conversation about their takeaways, future plans, and the insights gained during their time at G.A.S.
ABOUT THE INTERNS
Nina Gilbert
Nina Gilbert is a published illustrator, practicing artist and art historian beginning her final year at Spelman College. Currently serving as the first program committee member for the Southeastern Museums Conference, her interests lie with exploring the philanthropic side of the arts and bringing more afro-centric voices to its ecosystem. Nina has worked in multiple facets of the arts, from Auction Houses to Artist Endowed Foundations. Nina’s goal is to continue doing community based work within the arts while maintaining her practice as an artist.
Savannah Woodson
Savannah Woodson is a contemporary artist and Art History major from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is currently a third year student at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and an award-winning visual artist who won the 2022 Congressional Art Competition, representing her territory. Her artwork, “Black Boy,” hung in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building for winning first place. She has also had her work displayed in the Art Deco Museum in Miami, Florida (during Art Basel Miami Beach, 2023), the Robert W. Woodruff Library, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Alliance Theater, and in Realeyes, a zine for Black creatives. Savannah’s work primarily focuses on themes of Blackness, nature, and life, drawing inspiration from her vibrant Caribbean upbringing. She is deeply passionate about art, culture, and community, continuously merging her love for art and youth advocacy by engaging and inspiring children in her local community.
Nina Gilbert and Savannah Woodson's Internships are generously supported by Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective (AUC Collective)
