As part of a monthly program, a couple weeks ago the Development staff of the Brooklyn Museum came together to hear a presentation by Radiah Harper, the Museum’s Vice Director for Education & Program Development. These presentations, from various curatorial and non-administrative departments, serve to inform the Development office of any recent or upcoming initiatives from other departments around the Museum. When I think of our Education department, I tend to focus on those programs—Target First Saturdays, Creative Art Making, Arty Facts, and Meet the Museum—that have a direct membership component. When I heard Radiah speak, it reminded me that the education department produces just as many ambassadors and supporters of the Museum as any other department, Membership included. The fruits of that work often reach the Development office in surprising ways. At the end of January, we received a letter from a Patsy Glover stating the following:
Dear [Development Staff]
I spoke with you briefly last year regarding my experience over 50 years ago as a recipient of an art scholarship [to the Brooklyn Museum] I received at Graduation from P.S. 83 in Brooklyn.
I was exposed to many wonderful things that, up until then, I had no idea existed. I was a student for four years and met many wonderful people also. My interest in the arts around the world remains varied, to my betterment. When I think of the Brooklyn Museum it is with extreme proprietary comfort.
It is with much gratitude that I present this token of my appreciation to the Museum and its continuance.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Patsy Glover
Left: Fall of 1959 in front of Brooklyn Museum after art class. Right: Winter 2003 Festival at Rochdale Village Community Center
Included with the letter was a check for $250 and two photographs. The first photograph is of Ms. Glover in front of the Museum in 1959, and the other one is of Ms. Glover with a painting of hers in 2003. Ms. Glover’s art classes here at the Museum contributed to a lifelong love of art and a career as an artist herself. Once we received the letter, we invited her to attend the Members preview in February for To Live Forever and Kiki Smith: Sojourn. She reiterated in person how much she enjoyed the Museum, and how she is grateful to have an institution with such remarkable education opportunities for people of all ages.
Copy of the scholarship Ms. Glover received from P.S. 83 to take classes at Brooklyn Museum
It’s cynical to think of the people that we educate and the public that we serve as being the next donors and supporters of the Museum, but in this case it’s true. It’s a testament to the great work of our Education department that people like Ms. Glover can make art a central part of their lives as a result of their educational experiences at the Museum, and we are grateful for her support.
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How cool is this! I love that Patsy Glover thought to let the museum know what an effect it continues to have on her life. I hope it spurs others on to do the same.
Hi Krys! Thanks so much for the feedback. I have to say that getting Patsy’s letter in the mail was the most pleasant surprise for our Development office. It’s people like her that make our work fun!
Great posting! I am such a sucker for this kind of stuff, I had to wipe away a tear. The value of an institution is really in its audience, not its collection.
Patsy Glover has always been a gifted artist all of her life. When we were kids, she was always sketching something which was a joy to look at. I should know because I am her cousin. God Bless you Pat.
Patsy Glover is not only a gifted artist but a beautiful human being. She was a mentor for me over 20 years ago when I began my career in the Telecommunications industry. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned of her phenomenal talent as an Artist. Her painting are bold in color, richness and depth. They appeal to my senses on so many levels. What a talent – I’m so proud to be her friend!
I can only hope this inspiring letter encourages the Museum to offer more classes.
The appreciation of the Arts can help many youth, including myself in the 90s follow paths they may have considered unreachable without guidance.
From her Hand Crafted Dolls, Note Cards and Paintings, I have always loved and admired Ms. Glovers work. I have often wondered what inspires an artist to create. In Ms. Glovers case her association with the Brooklyn Museum seems to be the answer. Thanks Brooklyn Museum for being a catalyst for Culture & Creativity.
I ALSO WORKED WITH PATSY IN HER TELECOMMUNICATIONS DAYS. I SAW HER TALENT EXHIBITED AT A GATHERING AND WAS QUITE TAKEN BY IT. I HAVE A MOTHER DAUGHTER ANGEL DOLL SET IN MY FAVORITE COLOR PINK & SEVERAL FABRIC BOXES TOO. MY NEW FAVORITE IS A NOTECARD OF A PAINTING SHE HAS OF A WOMAN WITH PIERCING EYES THAT SEEMS TO SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU & KNOW YOUR EVERY THOUGHT. PATSY IS A SWEET NO NONSENSE PERSON FULL OF TALENT. BRAVO! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
I worked with Patsy during her last years before retirement, that was when I found out that she was an artist, I happened upon her sketching what is now my most treasured painting, I have quite a few of them hanging on my walls. I love her work, so thank you Brooklyn Museum for awarding her the scholarship that started her on her way.