Career Mirror -- by Mark Sproxton

Starting at the Art Gallery of Calgary, its curator constantly travels in several directions, stopping regularly to collect feedback and evaluate where he's gone and where he's going. The picture of his day would resemble something more like a road map, however, than a piece of art.

"I don't have a typical day," laughs Gregory Elgstrand, who also has director included in his job title. "I would kill for a typical day. The main goal is to keep the doors open and keep people coming in. That's not a really specific goal because you have to appreciate it from a bunch of perspectives. What brings a school class in won't bring in a 35-year-old oil tycoon."

Wearing many hats also means having the skills to deal with artists about upcoming exhibits, approaching the heads of major corporations for funding, writing essays, managing staff and attending board meetings. Demanding stuff for someone who started into the industry studying fine arts at Vancouver's Emily Carr Institute of Art+Design before completing his degree at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax.

"I came around it all backwards in a way," Elgstrand said. "I studied as an artist at school. I started working as a co-ordinator at an artist-run centre in '95... and there was some affinity between the administrative side and artistic side that came to me. It's a blessing and a curse."

It's a benefit because of his connection to art and the response it elicits. "I like the engagement with the community, the reaction people have to what we're doing," he said. "I get a thrill every time we have a new opening. There is a satisfaction that goes beyond the bottom line. And to work with artists is a pleasure, especially for someone who was a budding artist."

The work can at times be trying, though, especially since the gallery recently moved locations and essentially re-opened to the public. Elgstrand concedes his pressure-filled schedule is atypical of most non-profit curators/directors. "Since January 2000 I've been averaging about 70 hours per week. One of my personal goals is to get to that (point) where I develop some patterns. We're getting there."

Working for a non-profit group also means the pay is typically lower than for those working at a provincial museum or a for-profit gallery. A director will average between $48,000 and $90,000 a year, while a curator will earn around $35,000 to $65,000 a year. Someone assuming both roles at once typically requires a masters degree in addition to five years experience, Elgstrand said.

Earning a reputation as a "cleaner-upper" from his previous work helping other galleries grow, the youthful director/curator said he owes part of his results to a piece of advice on how to handle difficult times from someone who said: "Don't worry about it too much, as long as the right people are happy. You chose who those right people are."

An obvious ability to deal with issues such as systems management, information management and leadership, with the curatorial duties of setting up exhibitions are also key. While he hopes the market for curators and galleries grow, Elgstrand offers the following advice to others considering this line of work: "Have an absolute conviction that you're on the right track and an openness to criticism that doesn't throw you off the track." Wherever the track may lead that day.