JUDITH BACAL
Design & Creative Project Management
judithmbacal@gmail.com • judith.bacal@squarespace.com • 203-984-0055
Design, problem solving, planning and storytelling with a big-picture perspective to create a positive impact through design (exhibits, graphics, environments, and experiences).
EXPERIENCE
Design Consultant, Project Management & Design 2015 to present
Develop strategies; provide recommendations and execution of projects including the design of exhibits, environmental graphics, tours, programs and graphics for history, arts & cultural organizations.
• Content development, writing, research, photography, script writing and audio recordings for mobile audio guides
•Designed maps and signage for 30-mile walking trails
•Exhibit development and design of history exhibits
•Product photography in coordination with e-store to style, shoot, edit and manage images
•Producer of ongoing public storytelling program (3Birds Productions)
•Interior design, signage, space planning for Public Libraries
Director of Exhibits, The Maritime Aquarium 1999-2015
Anchor institution in Fairfield County CT – with over 350,000 annual visitors
•Managed budgets ranging from $20,000- $500,000
•Led design, development and implementation of permanent and yearly changing exhibits
•Supervised teams from 5-15 internal staff/consultants and contractors
•Developed institutional strategies as part of senior management team including animal care, marketing, visitor experience, education and development
•Insure best visitor experience through environmental design and wayfinding
Program Instructor, Afterschool Program, The Maritime Aquarium
• Led diorama building project for award-winning high school STEAM program, in collaboration with Education Department
Assistant Curator/Coordinator of Exhibits, The Shedd Aquarium Chicago 1988-1998
Leaders in the field in exhibits, education and conservation- hosting 2M guests yearly
•Design team for Oceanarium (1991) first major expansion since 1930. $47m replication of the Pacific Northwest with marine mammals, dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters and penguins.
Won best AZA exhibit of the year.
• Habitat design, interpretive planning, visitor experience, wayfinding, art direction, construction and fabrication
•Led design and implementation of award winning, yearly changing 2500 square foot exhibition including habitat design, interpretive development and immersive mission-driven experiences.
Adjunct Professor, University of Illinois College of Art & Design 1993-1995
•Developed undergraduate curriculum for exhibit design studio and designed colloquium around concept of creativity and design thinking.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Producer, 3 Birds Productions Storytelling July 2017 – ongoing Co-creator of a community building storytelling event for local residents: 8 events, with over 400 diverse attendees and 70 storytellers. Participants are invited to tell a 5-minute personal story based on a theme.
Co-Chair, Friends of Fodor Farm July 2018-present
Facilitation of volunteer community farmers engaged in and educating the community in healthy eating, fresh food, sustainable farming and environmental stewardship through a variety of activities to activate the farm and give back to the community.
EDUCATION
BS Industrial Design College of Design NC State University / University of the Arts, Philadelphia
Certification MIT Approach to Design Thinking 2016
Adobe Suite Digital Design Certification Pace, NYC 2014
AZA Management School 1995
PERSONAL, VOLUNTEER
Food Rescue US (ongoing)
Food runner for innovative nonprofit using technology to reduce food waste and support food pantries/soup kitchens
International Coastal Cleanup (ongoing)
Participated in the collection and documentation of coastal litter to fight ocean trash
Kayak for A Cause, Paddler 2005 – 2012
Kayaked across Long Island Sound 12.5 miles from Norwalk, CT to raise money for local and national environmental related non-profits
Project Return, Volunteer & Bird House Donor (10 years)
Contributed original Birdhouses to yearly fundraiser for this group home for teenage girls in crisis founded in 1986