Since 2024, Rollins College senior Avryl Colón-Pérez ’26 has immersed herself in the work of the Rollins Museum of Art, first through the RMA Student Council and now as the Fred W. Hicks Curatorial Fellow. What began as campus involvement has evolved into a deep professional and personal connection with the museum, where she is researching and developing her Capstone Exhibition for summer 2026. Through leadership, scholarship, and hands-on experience, Colón-Pérez is shaping both exhibitions and her future in the museum field.
How long have you been involved with Rollins Museum of Art ?
Since 2024, I have been involved with the Rollins Museum of Art (RMA) through the RMA Student Council on campus. I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to engage with students and staff, and starting May of 2025, I became President of the organization. In addition, I currently serve as the Fred W. Hicks Curatorial Fellow, which has allowed my involvement and relationship with the Rollins Museum of Art to deepen.
What about Rollins Museum of Art inspired you to work here?
The moment I first stepped foot in the Rollins Museum of Art, I was already inspired. From the incredible staff I met before beginning my fellowship to the small, meaningful moments I’ve had with pieces in past exhibitions, my experiences have all motivated me to work here.
Were you interested in the arts as a child?
Yes! I have always been an artistic person, whether through personal creation or keen observation. While I didn’t start my interest in the arts knowing I wanted to work in a place exactly like the RMA, visits as a child to museums in my local communities and during travel were so wonderful and really brought out my curiosity and love for the arts.
What aspect of the job have you enjoyed the most?
The Fred W. Hicks Fellowship culminates in a Capstone Exhibition that will be on view during the summer of 2026. The research, writing, and exploration I have done for this exhibition has brought so much joy to this experience and has really stuck with me. I’ve met so many wonderful people through this work, and it has been one of the most exciting parts of the job.
What aspect of the job did you find the most challenging
Similar to the aspect I’ve enjoyed the most, the Capstone Exhibition is a project on a scale I’ve never done before now. As a year-long project, it took time, commitment, and hard work to set a good foundation for the exhibition. While different from my previous experiences, it has been wonderful to explore new paths and challenge myself in different ways.
What are your career aspirations?
One of the best parts of this experience relates to the opportunities it has opened up to learn about different museum departments and functions that all contribute to what the public sees when they walk into a space. After graduation, I aspire to continue working in a museum setting, exploring different roles and experiences, and eventually continue on to pursue further education.
Do you have a favorite Rollins Museum of Art experience?
So many of my experiences during this fellowship have been impactful, but one that stuck out to me comes from my first week when I truly became immersed in the curatorial team’s work at the museum. I was doing research on the collection, talking to staff and learning about everyone’s roles, and it just felt like a ‘pinch-me’ moment that I was actually here and doing the work I was so excited to learn about. Definitely a favorite part of this experience!
You Make the Difference!
Support Rollins Museum of Art on Giving Day (February 19, 2026) to help ensure the museum remains a place for students like Avryl, to learn and grow.
Amplify your impact. When 50 donors give to the Rollins Museum of Art, the Stine Foundation will donate $25,000 to the museum—supporting exhibitions, programming, and public access.
The Captivating Unknown: Charting Our Relationship with the Cosmos
Be sure to experience Avryl’s Capstone Exhibition The Captivating Unknown: Charting Our Relationship with the Cosmos opening in May 2026 at Rollins Museum of Art. Admission is Free all summer long!
Image: Leidy Churchman (American, b. 1979) One Taste, 2020 Oil on linen 79 x 102.5 in. The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, Rollins Museum of Art. Gift of Barbara ’68 and Theodore ’68 Alfond. 2021.1.18 © Leidy Churchman