Emerson Thoenen
and Kelsey Tomlinson
Akron, Ohio

Why did you become members of the Akron Art Museum?
We had always loved visiting the Museum, but becoming members was almost an accident. We wanted to attend the evening preview of Keith Haring: Against All Odds, but general admission tickets were sold out. Member tickets were still available, so we decided to take the leap! And we haven’t looked back since. We absolutely fell in love with the AAM staff and the events, and we’re interested in being involved as much as we can.

If you could borrow one work from the Museum’s collection to display in your home, what would it be?
Winter Evening by Raphael Gleitsmann. We’re Akronites through and through and we love the old-timey feel and nostalgia of the cityscape in that painting. Also, it would fit perfectly in our at-home gallery wall.

If you had a chance to work at the Museum, what role would you like to take on?
We love hosting and we love a theme! A dream role for Emerson would be emcee for events, and Kelsey would be an event planner.

Has a particular artwork appealed to you?
For Emerson, it’s Indestructible Object by Man Ray—he actually has it tattooed on his arm and was able to see the piece in person at the Museum! Kelsey loves Petah Coyne’s Untitled #1383 (Sisters – Two Trees). She’s visited that piece many times during its stay and finds something new every time.

Share a favorite story or memory about the Akron Art Museum.
We had our engagement photos taken outside in the courtyard, and while walking around on High Street. The Akron Art Museum has been woven into the fabric of our life together from the very beginning, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!