Whatever you do, don’t call Pamela Myers’ home a museum.
Sure, Myers has artwork on the walls (and mantles and other places too). And yes, she’s head honcho at the real thing—the Asheville Art Museum. But the art in her home is deeply personal, some with direct attachments to the artist. It is, she says, a repository of many of her experiences. “It is the thread that runs through this house,” says Myers. “Each piece of art brings back a special memory.”
As executive director, her work at the museum requires a sharp mind and a deft hand—she manages all aspects of the museum’s operations, from overseeing staff to fundraising, program development and collections management. But perhaps the most important requirement is a passion for connecting a disparate audience with a shared experience.
Myers grew up in Westchester, New York, and has been involved with art much of her life. A graduate of Cornell University, she also studied at the Tyler School of Art in Rome. She served as administrator of exhibitions and programs at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, director of exhibits at the Strong Museum, and head of exhibition design, production and installation at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
By 1995, Myers was ready for a smaller niche and moved to Asheville.
“I have been so fortunate to have these experiences and I want to share my passion,” Myers says. “Not everyone gets to go to New York, but they can find some of the same experiences right here. I wanted to be at a place that was more connected to the people and their issues. While New York museums are certainly part of the community, it’s not like here where I get immediate feedback from visitors.”
From the large wrap-around porch in her 1911 Grove Park home, Myers shares her home and her thoughts with Carolina Home + Garden readers.
Aha! moment regarding art: I’ve had so many. The one that really stands out was when I went to Europe for the first time. I was at the Peggy Guggenheim collection of modern art in Venice. I sat in a room surrounded by her collection of Jackson Pollock and I finally understood the collection, his progression. It’s our job in the industry to make those moments possible for others.
Most memorable artist you’ve met: Again, I’ve had so many opportunities. Getting to meet Claes Oldenburg was amazing (Myers has two pieces by the artist in her dining room from her time at Cornell). I look at them and recall my time with him creating displays at the museum. It was my great privilege to work with him.
Best view from the house: I look out over a stone building that was the real estate office of E.W. Grove and the first home of the Asheville Art Museum. I walk through the small neighborhood park that surrounds it.
Morning routine: Feed my cat, make a French press pot of coffee from local GAS Distributors and read the paper.
Evening routine: Lots of evening events, cultural activities at the museum and other events around town.
Great relaxation: To come home early and cut flowers, weed and get my fingers in the dirt.
Favorite way to socialize: I love to entertain. This is a great house to host intimate parties and big bashes. I have a party for museum volunteers in the summer.
A perfect Sunday would be: Read the local paper and the New York Times, see my Mom, spend time with friends and family.
Collections: Since I’ve had the great honor of spending my life around museums, I don’t have large, museum-quality collections. I have a collection of old cameras that was my father’s passion. I’ve been buying hand-carved spoons by Don Duncan and I seem to have more dishes and ceramics and serving pieces than anyone needs.
Pets: Buzz the cat. He’s from the shelter and he runs the house.
As a child, wanted to be: A ballerina first, then an artist. I had a shop teacher in school who taught me how to work with wood. I hope to get back to that after I retire.
Personal hero: My parents have been hugely inspirational. My hero is anyone who gets up in the morning and pushes themself to be creative and use their talents. To challenge yourself in that way is hugely heroic.
Item you’d grab if the house were on fire (not counting pets): Family photos.
What’s in the fridge? Thousands of condiments to make any kind of meal. I love to cook and I want what I want when I want it and need it, so I keep a supply of spices and condiments for any kind of cooking.
Foodie passion: I have a passion for supporting local restaurants.
What’s on the bedside table? A box of tissues, a glass of water and a picture of my folks.
Next big purchase: Landscaping.
Can’t live without: Friends.
Worst thing about being a director of an art museum: The worst thing is one of the best things—being challenged to always create. It’s wonderful and terrible at the same time.
Best thing about being director of an art museum: When we get it right. And I get to meet so many wonderful people. We have the most incredible group of volunteers.
Guilty pleasure: Sleeping in.
Superstitions: I wear my dad’s ring, my grandfather’s watch chain and a necklace my parents gave me on my 21st birthday every day. They are more like talismans or touchstones to keep me connected to the past, the present and the future.
Personal philosophy: I believe we’re connected to all of those around us. We’ve got to be generous, connected and committed. We’re here to listen, learn and give.
Favorite board game: I play Boggle with my niece.
Favorite pastime: Going to flea markets and auctions.
Obsession: Shawls by textile artists. I wear them all the time. And maybe my boots too.
Person from history you’d like to meet: Michelangelo—he was one of those young inspirations to me. He found life in the stone and brought it out.
Drink of choice: A martini or a nice glass of red wine.
If reincarnated, would like to come back as: I’d like to come back a lot of times to try a lot of different paths. I’d like to be an artist, musician, traveler, and explorer and so many more things.
Vehicle: 1998 BMW M3.
Most treasured memento: The same touchstones I wear each day.
Art on your own walls: Stories, memories, small pieces of the amazing artists I’ve met over the years.
Describe your home: Eclectic. Comfortable, welcoming 1911 Asheville home full of things that remind me of family and history and my experiences with artists.
Favorite room in the house: It’s a toss-up between the library and the kitchen.
Favorite tool: My spoons. Having a beautiful tool to do something you love is wonderful.
Latest project: My flower-cutting garden. And we’ve always got some new exhibition at work.
Sources of inspiration: It’s all around us. I believe, as Joseph Albers said, that you just have to open your eyes to see inspiring moments all around us.
