Amy Lenz (AL): Please tell me about your background and education.

Elisabeth Emerson (EE): I was born and raised in Tacoma. I picked up my love for art at an early age, and I partook in many art related activities offered in the city during my youth. After attending Stadium High School, I spent four fabulous years attending the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Vancouver is truly alive and has a strong support for the arts. It was an inspiring place to go to art school. Not only does it have a huge population, but it also has a wide variance demographically. This gave me many a subject matter to study in my own work which speaks about status quo, social norms and patterns. Vancouver never shuts down, and there is pretty much the same amount of life on the streets at 3:00am as there is at noon, which is amazing!

AL: What led you to your job at the Museum of Glass?

EE: While attending Emily Carr, I was unable to work since I was not a citizen of Canada. So I needed to come home and work during the summers. It was my second year of college, and I decided that I needed a new job. One of my friends was working in the store and suggested that I apply there as well. I guess the rest is history. I am thankful that this institution values internal hiring as I was able to work my way up.

After I finished college, I started working full-time in the store. I also managed the stores e-commerce website. Soon after, I started working in my current position in the Education Department. I will have worked at the Museum of Glass for five years on June 21st!

AL: Describe your responsibilities and duties as Education Program Coordinator.

EE: Wow! Where do I start? My daily duties include facilitating school and group tours and scheduling those tours as well. However, I also program Family Days, Scout Days, and help with other museum functions and activities. In addition, I make sure the studio artist is taken care of and purchase all of their art supplies as well as supplies for workshops that our spectacular docent, Barb White, does out in the community. I work closely with the docents, and I make sure that the docent shifts are always covered. I could not do my job without help from the docents. The best thing about my position is that I am always busy, and there is always something coming up around the corner. Education is the fun Department!

AL: What are the most interesting and rewarding aspects of your job?

EE: The best aspect of my job is the first-hand experience I am gaining with school children. When I first thought of attending art school, I went with the intention of becoming a high school art teacher. However, I soon discovered that I was not mentally ready to deal with 14 to 18-year-olds on a daily basis. I was 23 years old, and I thought it would be better to hold off on teaching until I was older.

The great thing was even though I did not have a set path with my career, the Museum of Glass opened one up for me. My interest has been strengthened in the teaching field, especially with special needs children and developmental programs for adults. I value this job immensely. I am able to gather information and experience daily, and it is supporting my first intentions career wise so it makes me confident that I am headed in the right direction.

AL: Tell me about your involvement with the education studio.

EE: After Ryan Branchini, Education Program Manager, hires a resident studio artist for a particular month they are usually handed over to me. I work with them on their supply list for the month and procure the needed art materials as well as offer support throughout the month. The museum’s Kids Design Glass program is also run out of the education studio, and I make sure that is running smoothly. In addition, there is basic organization of the space, but I like to clean so it all works out.

AL: What are your thoughts on the docent and volunteer program?

EE: I love all of the volunteers. I do not think I can tell you all enough how much you help me on a daily basis, and how crucial you all are to the education department. We would not be able to do half of what we do without you. Your dedication is outstanding, and the museum is lucky to have such a steady corps of volunteers. I could ramble on forever, but I think every docent is great. I am glad that I am afforded time to talk to most of you every week. It is almost like this job came with 30 immediate friends.