Kenton Aemmerson Smith

Creative and detail-oriented Visual Designer with extensive experience in exhibition design, cultural program coordination, visual merchandising, and art curation. Strong background in both retail and institutional design environments, including museums, galleries, and luxury retail. Adept at project coordination, employee supervision, record keeping, and cross-department collaboration. Passionate about art accessibility, cultural heritage, and innovative presentation.

Art Framer - Hobby Lobby - Clackamas, OR

(2022-01)

• Receive and assess personal artwork for custom framing
• Execute industry-standard framing with precision and care
• Maintain workflow and meet production deadlines

Sales Associate – Garden Center - Lowe's Home Improvement - Milwaukie, OR

(2016-03 - 2022-12)

• Provided expert product knowledge and customer service
• Maintained plant inventory and merchandising
• Performed team leadership duties in manager's absence

Caregiver - Private Care

(2015-01 - 2020-12)

Partner with Terminal Illness

• Provided full-time care, appointment management, and emotional support

Admissions Manager - Portland Japanese Garden - Portland, OR

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

• Supervised front-line admissions staff
• Enforced garden etiquette and policies
• Trained and scheduled staff, handled visitor and member relations

Cultural Action Coordinator – U.S. - Cirque du Soleil – Resident Show Division - Las Vegas, NV

(2003-01 - 2012-12)

• Curated over 50 international exhibitions at Cirque headquarters and venues
• Coordinated shipping, installation, and cataloging of artworks
• Managed art grants and supported emerging artists
• Tracked budgets and documented cultural department support activities
• Assisted HQ with preservation and organization of costume and heritage archives

Wardrobe Supervisor / Controller / Attendant - The Venetian / The Palazzo Resort - Las Vegas, NV

(2000-01 - 2003-12)

• Issued and managed 6,000+ team member uniforms
• Supervised second-shift operations
• Supported high-profile events including ballet and museum openings

Freelance Artist / Designer - Chameleon Studios - Las Vegas, NV

(2000-01 - 2003-12)

• Designed custom visual concepts for luxury venues and events
• Managed creative teams and installations

Visual Merchandiser - Foley's – May Co.

(1996-01 - 1997-12)

Manager, Visual Merchandising - Boston Store / Marshall Field's - Milwaukee, WI

(1978-01 - 1996-12)

• Led 26-person visual team in an 8-story, 750,000 sq ft department store
• Designed The Trend Home showroom
• Maintained department budgets and seasonal displays

Associate of Arts - French & Literature - Clackamas Community College (2016-01 - 2017-12)

Certificate - Exhibition Design - Northern States Conservation Center (2007-01 - 2012-12)

Master Classes - Fine Arts & Asian Art History - University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2001-01 - 2008-12)

Graphic Design Studies - Graphic Design - Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) (1993-01 - 1995-12)

Additional Coursework - Fine Arts, Non-Western Arts, Art History - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee / UNLV (1974-01 - 2011-12)