Our Understory
Laura Frick and Angela Mele are Certified Interpretive Planners with backgrounds in museum exhibition planning and design. We founded Understory in 2022 based on a shared passion for collaborating with small organizations whose stories deserve to be brought to light, but who may not have the capacity to do so alone.
We believe that interpretation can bring people of many backgrounds together, ignite awe and empathy, and inspire stewardship.
Meet Angela
I came to the field of interpretation through scientific illustration, which I have done professionally since 2010. Using art to communicate scientific concepts led me to work on exhibits for firms and museums, first as a muralist/scenic artist and later as an exhibit developer, with many other hats worn in between. This experience is complimented by Master’s degrees in the Museum field.
Collaborating with others to craft beautiful, strategic, and site-specific interpretive designs is what drives me.
Meet Laura
My grandma was the historical society curator in the small town I grew up in, so you could say this work is in my genes.
Exploration and interpretation of places and communities are themes woven through my life. Degrees in International Studies and Museum Exhibition Planning + Design, combined with experiences living abroad and throughout the U.S. have defined my life's trajectory. I am immensely grateful to continue highlighting unique people, places, and phenomena through the lens of interpretive media for many years to come.