Kate Myers
Customer Development Manager, Plus-Plus USA
Wadsworth, OH

When did you first get involved with the Akron Art Museum?

I became a member this past January. I’m always looking for new experiences and when I found the Yoga Series: Mindful Art, a good friend encouraged me to become a member so that I could participate in the series right away for free. I enjoyed my first experience so much that I have continued to attend every month.

How has the Museum impacted you and your family?

It inspired me to continue to feed my creative soul by participating in monthly events and to take time afterward to explore the beautiful pieces in the galleries. We are so fortunate to have such a great place in the area that offers both awe-inspiring works of art and programs that inspire creativity for kids and adults. I look forward to sharing more experiences here with my son and watching him explore and find his own journey.

What Museum programs do you find most enjoyable?

I frequently participate in the Yoga Series: Mindful Art, Sip in the Studio, and Family Days. I look forward to yoga because each experience brings awareness of different works of art depending on where I choose to lay my mat. All of the yoga instructors have been wonderful and have provided an invigorating flow within a creative space that has taken me on a unique personal journey each time. I’ve especially enjoyed practicing yoga in the gallery with the Keith Haring subway drawings. I definitely have my favorites and I will miss them when they leave in September.

During the Sip in the Studio series, I enjoy getting to know the people who work at the Museum. I continue to meet new, fun, and creative people at each event. I am inspired by the artist instructors and have learned something from each one.

Are particular works in the collection or in exhibitions special to you?

My favorite piece, which I visit like an old friend whenever I am at the Museum, is Pond Spring Awakening – 1972 by Alma Thomas. I was immediately drawn to this stunning visual work the moment I saw it. It’s fun to walk toward it and then away from it. The view changes before your eyes. My second favorite is Welcome—the metal circle sculpture outside with two people inside reaching for each other. I love looking at it from inside the Museum from multiple angles on different floors. And, right now, I am fully immersed in everything that the fantastic Keith Haring: Against All Odds exhibition has to offer. I have walked through it many times, and each time has been a new and magical experience.

Share a story or memory about the Museum.
It’s hard for me to share just one story or one memory. Each event has provided its own story and connection to different works and unique, inventive people. After yoga in one of the galleries, I feel inspired and invigorated to keep on finding creative activities for the rest of the day.

Creating Valentine cards and making wax seals brought me back to everything I have always loved about card making. When painting on the mural created by Matt Miller, I momentarily felt like an artist and I appreciate the finished print he provided to everyone at the end of the class. Picking out succulents and building the garden outdoors in May with my nine-year-old son was extra special; he had so much fun he wanted to come again. The latest event, creating Keith Haring-inspired earrings out of polymer clay, made me appreciate all the details and time that go into making jewelry.

I look forward to sharing and participating in many more programs in this wonderful creative space.
The Akron Art Museum is grateful for the support of our members. In each issue we highlight a member, sharing their perspective with our readers.