Friends of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art are sharing their cherished stories with us! These Museum Memories come from community members recalling experiences at the FWMoA that made a positive impact. From inspiring exhibits to meaningful events, these moments remind us of our own transformative museum experiences. Today we hear from Susan Elser and her experiences with FWMoA.
To be honest, I had never been in an Art Museum till I worked in England the summer after I graduated from South Side High School. While in London, a friend dragged me to The Tate, and I saw my first J.M.W. Turner and John Singer Sergeant. I think the appreciation began there, but it wasn’t until years later on a field trip with my kids to the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis that I really started wanting more. While there, I saw a piece by Albert Bierstadt that literally mesmerized me. That led me to explore other Bierstadt works. His painting “Among the Sierra Nevada Mountains”, was like nothing I had ever seen before. I kept thinking “How does someone take a brush and paints and create something like this?”
In the ensuing years, I discovered Hopper and Wyeth (all of them!) and even found myself warming up to Abstract pieces (well, some of it!) all thanks to the FWMoA. I must admit, landscapes and portraits are still my favorites.
When I retired, I began volunteering as a Docent at the museum; you take all the exhibits more seriously when you’re fielding questions from fifteen 2nd graders or ten middle schoolers. And after twelve years as a docent, I have heard all kinds of questions! For many, this is their first trip to a museum, and it can be a little overwhelming. But there was one particular 2nd grader who defines, for me, why I support the Museum. Holding my hand, this little guy from an inner-city school walks into Gallery 4, takes two steps forward, puts his arms out and while doing a slow spin says, “How do they make all these things?” I just stood and smiled. I think I even teared up a wee bit.
This is why I support FWMoA, because no matter what kind of art you like, shouldn’t you want to say, “How do they make all these things?!” every time you walk in the door?
Click here to learn more about our Volunteer Docent program and ways to be involved at FWMoA!