The Georgia Museum of Art’s Board of Advisors(opens in new tab) works to increase public awareness and engagement with the museum, its exhibitions and programs. Recently, longtime Friend of the Museum David Matheny became the board’s chair, after serving on the board for approximately six years. The chair works to support the museum and director by assisting with decision making and stewardship. Matheny has been working in Athens with the museum and the Lamar Dodd School of Art since around 1995.
Throughout his time with the museum, Matheny has volunteered in a range of positions. While he began with project management, his enthusiasm for the arts led him to serve on the Friends board of directors, as chair of the Collectors and eventually the Board of Advisors. As chair Matheny hopes to advance the numerous types of programming fostered by the museum. His longtime involvement has allowed him to explore virtually all aspects of the institution. In particular, Matheny is interested in the museum’s education(opens in new tab) and events(opens in new tab) programming that bring in members of the surrounding community. Since he has worked with both the museum and the art school, Matheny hopes to further student engagement at the museum.
By being a board member himself for years, Matheny has a clear understanding of what makes the museum’s board so special: the people involved. The board consists of members from numerous states that come from an eclectic range of backgrounds. Matheny describes board members as “passionate, spectacular and joyful.”
Looking forward, Matheny understands that small changes could position the museum for a better future. He would like more people to be aware of the museum’s presence and its status as the official state art museum of Georgia. Additionally, museums are notorious for being intimidating or unwelcoming for people who don’t have an existing knowledge of fine art. Matheny hopes that, through diverse programming and events, the museum can continue to expand its audience to include all members of the community. Additionally, the continued hard work of an invested and engaged staff plays a big part in shaping the role of the museum.
Over the years, Matheny has become an art collector and developed an appreciation for the tactility of art. He and his wife Becky primarily look to artists with whom they have a personal connection or affiliation, as they can get to know them directly. The couple carries their passion for art wherever they go, including when they travel and visit new places. Matheny is especially grateful for the loving support from his wife, two daughters and his grandchildren, with whom he is excited to share the museum for years to come.
By Francesca Felicella
