FAC member for 7 years
Why did you become a member of the Fine Arts Center?
I joined the Fine Arts Center after I retired from teaching. I was looking at new interests after being immersed in work. Suddenly there was this gift of time which gave me opportunities to learn new things and try new things. There is so much the FAC offers both free and for a fee that FAC could be someone’s sole retirement commitment. Membership is a great gift for anyone who is a lifelong learner.
When did your interest in the arts begin?
I hadn’t thought of myself as involved with art, although I have always enjoyed museums. I thought of myself as a crafter — sewing my own clothing, quilting, needlepoint, quilling. I did all sorts of things. What I loved was history and for many years I was active in the Colorado Archaeology Society on the local and state level. Now I see this incredible connection between history and art. They walk hand-in-hand; they inform each other.
What has been one of your favorite plays, classes or exhibits at the Fine Arts Center?
I don’t like the “favorite” question. Usually I have lots of favorites for many different reasons. And I know that becoming a docent at the Fine Arts Center has given me a different perspective on everything I see at the facility. We have a wonderful permanent collection of Native American and Colonial art. Here are favorites since I started docent training in January 2016. I loved the play “Parallel Lives” this fall. It was wonderful to laugh at our human foibles. I love the artwork by Gustave Baumann because of his precise use of the woodblock printing process and intense color. (He often uses my favorite colors — yellow, green, and dark, rich brown.) I love the Hispanic gallery, because of the history that intersects with all the art pieces. The Everyday Extraordinary exhibition was incredible! The Don Coen exhibition on migrant workers was incredible and drew national interest via TV.
What is your favorite work of art at the FAC?
That also changes; my favorite Chihuly is the beautiful blue piece that “sways” – located in the Deco lounge near the theatre. While I enjoy sculptures, contemporary or modern art, my all-time favorite is and has always been paintings. (Portraits, scenery, scenes, etc.)
What else do you like to do for fun in Colorado Springs?
I belong to PILLAR and enjoy their travel trips in conjunction with CC’s Women Education Society. In the New Year, another PILLAR member and I will be facilitating a class based on Julia Cameron’s book entitled, It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again. I am a newer member of American Association of University Women and love their Southwest Studies group. I write with a memoir group and a journaling group and am attempting to write a novel. Colorado Archaeology Society is still an interest, but has taken a back seat to other activities right now. I am a new docent at the Fine Arts Center and have discovered that I am enjoying working with adults when I signed on because I wanted to work with children. I can’t believe what I am learning! This is a great place!