Lin Foust
Program Coordinator | Operations, Event Production, Gallery Preparation
foustlin@gmail.com | 1.517.610.3109 | Grand Rapids, MI
SUMMARY
Program Coordinator with 3+ years managing studio operations, artist programs, and event logistics across creative environments. I help arts organizations run smoothly by coordinating schedules, managing facilities, and supporting artists—from managing the dinner rush at Ox-Bow School of Art to producing vibrant events for ceramic artists at Pottworks Studio.
EXPERIENCE
Program Coordinator and Operations Manager, Part-Time
Pottworks Studio, Hamilton, Michigan
March 2024 - Current
Studio and Kiln Management: Managed daily studio operations, including clay processing, material reclaiming workflows, and the scheduling, loading, and firing of kilns to support studio production and timelines.
Program and Artist Coordination: Orchestrated end-to-end logistics, travel, and programming for visiting artists, ensuring flawless execution of intensive workshops and community events.
Gallery Curation and E-Commerce: Curated and maintained the aesthetic presentation of the physical ceramics gallery, while executing high-quality inventory photography and managing web-store updates to drive online sales.
Web and Digital Management: Oversaw website administration, implementing regular design updates, maintaining online scheduling systems, and handling high-volume correspondence with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
Brand Design and Marketing: Designed visually compelling print and digital promotional graphics and curated social media campaigns that elevated community engagement and drove class enrollment.
Facilities and Event Production: Supervised comprehensive facility maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and meticulous space preparation for gallery openings, workshops, and large-scale studio events.
Workshop Assistant, Full-Time Apprenticeship
Fieldwork Japan, Ogami, Tambasasayama, Japan
April 2026 - May 2026
Wood-Fire Kiln Operations: Assisted in the preparation, loading, wadding, and round-the-clock stoking of traditional anagama (wood-fired) kilns, managing temperature curves and reduction atmospheres.
Kiln Maintenance and Bisque Firing: Handled the operation of kerosene and electric kilns for bisque firings, ensuring consistent cycles and strict adherence to studio safety standards.
Technical Studio Support: Managed clay body preparation, recycling, and studio reclaiming workflows to provide international workshop participants with high-quality, consistent materials.
Residency Hospitality and Culinary Operations: Managed daily meal curation, dietary requirements, and local grocery logistics for an international roster of artists, creating a welcoming and communal dining environment.
Facilities and Logistics Management: Maintained the daily cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of the communal studio, kitchen, and traditional lodging facilities to ensure seamless residency operations.
Art Department Assistant, Part-time contractor
Wolverine Worldwide, Rockford, MI
August 2025 - December 2025
On-Set and Prop Styling: Collaborated closely with lead stylist, Brennan Smith, to execute set styling, fabricate custom props, and physically construct dynamic studio environments for commercial production shoots for Saucony, Caterpillar, Chaco, Merrell, and Hytest.
Product Prep and Detailing: Prepped, detailed, and staged footwear to ensure all samples met brand standards and were visually perfect for high-volume photo and video production.
Studio Operations and Asset Management: Organized and maintained The Den studio space, establishing efficient systems for gear, prop storage, and shooting areas.
Wardrobe and Accessory Curation: Received, sorted, and organized incoming clothing and jewelry samples; established highly accessible inventory systems to ensure fast-paced wardrobe pulls and seamless returns during active shoots.
Warehouse and Delivery Manager, Full-Time
West Michigan Clay, Hamilton, Michigan
February 2023 - March 2026
Logistics and Heavy Machinery Operation: Safely operated a forklift to offload heavy freight shipments—including multi-ton clay pallets, raw materials, kilns, and wheels—from commercial semi-trucks, optimizing warehouse organization and inventory flow.
Order Fulfillment and Distribution: Picked, packed, and coordinated bulk material orders for distribution to regional K-12 schools, universities, commercial ceramics studios, and independent artists.
Technical Ceramics Consultation: Provided expert guidance and troubleshooting advice to customers regarding clay bodies, glaze chemistry, kiln firing parameters, and general studio equipment.
Kiln Installation and Field Service: Delivered, positioned, and safely installed specialized kiln systems and studio equipment on-site for schools and private studios.
Customer Experience and Retail Operations: Managed point-of-sale (POS) transactions, handled telephone and email inquiries, and assisted customers with loading heavy materials into vehicles, maintaining high standards of service.
Digital Operations and Design: Managed routine website administration and updates, while designing visually compelling promotional graphics for upcoming sales, community events, and workshops
Retail and Gallery Assistant, Part-time
Ox-Bow House (Ox-Bow School of Art), Douglas, Michigan
October 2022 - April 2023
Retail Program Development: Designed, launched, and managed a new retail program for Ox-Bow House, establishing inventory systems with Square, pricing structures, and merchandising standards to generate new revenue streams.
Gallery Preparation and Art Handling: Assisted in gallery preparation, including wall patching, painting, lighting, and the safe handling and installation of diverse 2D and 3D artworks for exhibitions.
Artist Relations and Advocacy: Partnered directly with West Michigan artists to curate, market, and promote their work, expanding their visibility and connecting them with regional collectors and patrons.
Gallery Sales and Customer Relations: Welcomed gallery visitors, shared the history and mission of Ox-Bow House, managed point-of-sale (POS) transactions, and maintained an inviting, professional gallery environment.
Assistant Kitchen Manager, Full-Time
Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, Saugatuck, Michigan
January 2021 - September 2022
Culinary Team Leadership: Supervised and led a kitchen team of 8 staff members, directing daily preparation workflows, managing schedules, and fostering a collaborative, fast-paced kitchen environment.
High-Volume Meal Production: Orchestrated daily culinary operations to prepare and serve scratch-made, high-quality meals for 80 to 100 artists, residents, and staff members while navigating diverse dietary requirements and allergies.
Special Event and Fundraising Logistics: Collaborated on the culinary planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale institutional fundraising events, managing high-profile catering logistics and food presentation.
Inventory and Food Safety Compliance: Oversaw kitchen sanitation, food safety protocols, and ingredient inventory management, ensuring strict compliance with health department standards and budget guidelines.
SKILLS
Administration & Ops: Program Coordination, Gallery Preparation, Event Production, Studio/Facilities Management, Budgeting & Logistics.
Technical Ceramics: Kiln Operations (Wood, Gas, Electric), Raw Material Chemistry, Studio Equipment Maintenance.
Digital & Design: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign), E-Commerce Management, Photography & Video Editing.
EDUCATION
BFA, Visual Studies, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, April 2020
REFERENCES
BRENNAN SMITH, Lead Stylist at Wolverine Worldwide
Brennan.Smith@wwwinc.com - +1(616)340-7058
MIKE TAYLOR, Potter and previous owner of West Michigan Clay
mike.taylor.pottworks@gmail.com - +1(616)836-5401
LAURA MARTIN, Artist and Peer
redsnail@comcast.net - +1(616)443-673