Elaine Guregian
Akron, OH 

Why did you become a member of the Akron Art Museum?

Visiting art museums has been a passion as long as I can remember. When I moved to Akron from Chicago, I was thrilled to discover this top-notch institution. Supporting it as a member is a privilege and a responsibility.

What do you enjoy about the Museum?

Modern and contemporary art are my favorite periods, so the collection is a great fit for me. I adore the building, too—those chunky concrete pillars, the sleek silver façade and the bold windows, all set off by that gorgeous sculpture garden. I was working as an arts journalist when the Museum’s new building by Coop Himme(l)blau opened. When former curator Barbara Tannenbaum walked me through the galleries, sharing her brilliant insights on the collection, I felt the stature and significance of Akron’s museum on a national level, and I continue to feel it today.

What do you enjoy about the Museum?

I enjoy the familiarity with artworks that comes as a frequent visitor. As a lifelong museumgoer, I always find “friends” among the art pieces. There are works that make me smile every time I turn a corner into a gallery and spot a favorite. I enjoy taking classes here, attending Coffee with the Curator events, and Downtown@Dusk concerts. There are so many opportunities at the Museum, and the staff is welcoming and friendly at every turn. 

If you could borrow one work from the collection to display in your home, what would it be?

Through the Museum’s free Art Library program with the Akron-Summit County Public Library, I actually have borrowed a couple of pieces, including an abstract portrait of a soldier by Max Markwald that reminded me of a character in Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway. This is a good reminder to go back for more!

If you had a chance to work at the Museum, what role would you like to take on?

Curating prints and paintings would be amazing. And in this fantasy world I would have a blast organizing exhibitions by Dana Schutz, Julie Mehretu, and Nicole Eisenman.

Share a favorite story or memory about the Museum.

This year, I participated in three different eight-day workshops. Through the Creative Aging Institute, a group of us learned hands-on skills from working artists—everything from Japanese shibori dyeing to printmaking. I loved the chance to try different media with the right tools and serious instruction, and I had a lot of fun getting to know other people who share my interests in art and more. I’m really proud of the Museum for recognizing the desire for a high standard of classes and for giving us a great way to make new friends.