Linking up with Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hand for her Thankful Thursday meme.
My boss, Claire, asked me to answer some questions because there will be an article in our newsletter about my 20-years at the Museum and coming retirement. Her questions are in black and my answers to her are in the blue. When the newsletter comes out, I'll take a photo of the article. I know nothing else, except she told me my answers made her tear up. I did too as I wrote them. So this is my Thankful Thursday post. I am thankful for my time at Polk Museum of Art!!
What was your start date at PMA? My first day at PMA was March 17, 1997. It was a Monday and the beginning of a pay period (important for accounting purposes!). Ken Bailey was the Controller who was leaving. Need I mention that I loved my new corner office with such a beautiful view?
How would you describe your time here? My time here has been a lovely adventure! As someone who (at one time) wanted to be an art teacher, working in an art museum has been like a dream-come-true for me. To be surrounded by art and people who also love art made going to work each day such a blessing.
What have you enjoyed the most? Well, it's really not "what" I enjoyed most but WHO... to be a part of the incredible staff and the friendships I have formed with staff (and colleagues) has enriched my life in ways I can't begin to put words to. I still have friends from 20 years ago who have moved on from PMA but stay in touch. I enjoy monthly lunch dates with several women who worked here before and I look forward to more of those going forward into my retirement! I will always be ready for lunch with friends! Call me!
What would you like people to know about the museum? That your experiences in our galleries can be life-changing if you just let the art in. Be quiet and let the art sink into your soul. Spend time here. Be a part of this extraordinary organization. It's so much more than a building. Come inside. Be a member. Be present and be enchanted with what you find. I sure have been!
Share a memory or two that really stand out. Just two?! The Three Graces Symposium, in November 1997, with Miriam Shapiro, Faith Ringgold and Joyce Scott stands out above all else. Those amazing women artists brought tears to my eyes as they told us of humble beginnings and talked of the strong women in their lives. The auditorium was standing room only and we had attendees from across the nation. The corresponding exhibit of their work was brilliant. I could name so many memories of exhibits and artists - Robert Rahway Zakanitch's five huge decorative art pieces that filled two galleries, Gregory Barsamian's kinetic sculptures, Herman Leonard's photography, Jenny Bagert's photography, meeting John Szarkowski in person and getting him to sign my catalog of his photography...."To Terri, from your favorite artist, John Szarkowski"!! Wow.
Anything else you'd like to say? Just that a piece of my heart remains behind as I leave for my next adventure - retirement! I'm not going to say goodbye, though, because Joe and I are Advocate members and now I can attend events for fun!! I'll see you there
Thanks for your visit!! Be thankful always!! Love & Hugs.
When is your last day? I know they are going to miss you more than you even know. You have been a special part of the place and always will be.
ReplyDeleteNext Friday, because I took Monday, July 31 off (my last vacation day).
DeleteYippee!!!!
DeleteAWWWW....this made me tear up, Terri. Count down, right? smiles
ReplyDeleteWow - it's so close! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAhh - I bet its so bitter sweet leaving. I can imagine the wonderful years you had at such a fun place to work!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - - your thoughts and how you wrote them - - reflects your beautiful spirit! It is obvious it has been so much more than a paycheck - - sort of a calling/ministry to the community. I never knew you wanted to teach art. You have done that in a larger scale than one classroom to those in the community and Blogland by educating us and introducing us to new artists and their exhibits.
ReplyDeleteRetirement date is getting so close. You have always made it sound like a great place to work.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written answers....So nice you are having such a great experience in getting ready for your next chapter of your life. I missed that part of my retirement adventure and it made it so much more difficult. God bless....
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and brought tears to my own eyes! So happy for you! 💜
ReplyDeleteWonderful answers! I can tell you loved your job and gave it your all. You've made me want to see your museum. I am sure that you blessed the museum and the staff as much as you were blessed by them. On to your new adventure!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to retire from a job well done and with such great memories. God Bless you on your retirement Terri.
ReplyDeleteI am still in touch with so many of the ladies I worked with over the years. Your last day will be a happy/sad day!! Enjoyed the 'interview.'
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have been blessed with a wonderful career these last 20 years.
ReplyDelete"Be quiet and let the art sink into your soul."
ReplyDelete:-)
So thoughtful! I felt your passion, Terri. I agree, some of my happiest memories came not from the job, but relationships with my co-workers. You're right, those friendships will endure!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful write up for your retirement! I really enjoyed reading this and I know you will keep in touch with the friends you made and the museum will remain part of your life - on your own schedule!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy testament to a wonderful career at the Polk Museum of Art. I have enjoyed your posts over the years about the museum's special events. It will always be a part of you, even if it's not handing you a paycheck!
ReplyDeleteYour description of being quiet and letting the art sink into your soul -- I like that.