Cindy and George Botzman
Kent, Ohio
Retired Teacher and Retired Engineer

Why did you become a member of the Akron Art Museum?
George: I first visited the Museum as a “one and done” trip but realized at the end of the day that I had to come back soon.

What do you enjoy about the Museum?
Cindy: I really enjoy the contemporary nature of the exhibitions as well as the range of special exhibitions and programs. I’ve experienced dance music of all types, food, lectures, exercise classes, and more.

If you could borrow one work from the collection to display in your home, what would it be?
Cindy: What a great question! For me it would definitely be Mickalene Thomas’s Girlfriends and Lovers. It evokes the strong women I grew up around, especially my mom and her eight sisters; they were so stylish and diverse!

If you had a chance to work at the Museum, what role would you like to take on?
Cindy: I love parties, so I would choose to help with social activities like the fabulous opening celebrations!
George: If I could work at the Museum, my choice of position would be custodian. I’d get to see all the new exhibitions first and in the “invisible man” role get to hear people’s unfiltered opinions of the art.

Which exhibition was particularly special to you?
Cindy: Last year’s Art Saved My Life, featuring the incredible in-your-face work of Michelangelo Lovelace. I grew up in Cleveland, so that was a personal connection for me.

Share a favorite story or memory about the Museum.
Cindy: Our favorite times involve visiting with our grandchildren.
George: We brought along three teenage grandsons and watched as they first started viewing as a group, and then slowly split up. Finally, they came back together to discuss the works they’d seen.