Brenda Wade, the Georgia Museum of Art’s administrative assistant and receptionist, will retire this month, after more than 23 years working there. She brought an easygoing, friendly and helpful nature to all she worked with, and she was never shy about sending around a well-timed joke, story or pick-me-up when needed.
Wade originally hails from West Virginia and grew up in the southern part of the state. After marrying and living with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia, for a few years, the couple relocated to Athens. Wade was reluctant initially, but she eventually fell in love with the Classic City.
One of the draws was working at the museum. Not only did it allow her to be surrounded by art and artists, but it also gave her opportunities to contribute her own works. “I was able to do two of my favorite things talk and make art,” said Wade. “When I started there was no Internet presence, so the telephone was the best way to learn about exhibitions. I later got to make the art for the front marquee to attract visitors inside.” Many of those signs were used to promote exhibitions and Family Day event. “The insectival Family Day was one of my favorites, I did a dragonfly with cut-out paper, along with one of [our] events called Courtyards of Spain. [I made] a dancer with metallic designs on her dress. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to make art at work. I was truly blessed working at the museum.”
Wade also had some of her works of art featured in the exhibition “Nature in Art and Poetry,” in 2004. She recalls this as one of her proudest accomplishments both personally and professionally. “Carissa DiCindio [the museum’s former curator of education] curated a show and asked me to do a series of poetry in calligraphy to accompany the works by women artists,” said Wade. “It was the first female-only exhibition I had ever seen. Being part of that really meant so much to me as an artist. I cherish that memory.”
Over the years, Wade has assisted with countless museum events and met a slew of people along the way. Each event presented a new opportunity to connect with different people over a mutual appreciation for art. Wade treasured these interactions. “I think some of the best memories have been the people I met and worked with over the years, some who became real friends,” reminisced Wade. “Working with volunteers on Elegant Salute and making Friends like Smitty Griffith, Ann Scoggins and Michael Montesani; working on the Green Symposium and getting to be friends with Dale Couch, David and Linda Chesnut and Peggy Galis. [There were] so many more fun and exciting people — coworkers, current and past, who supported me; students who have influenced my experience there are priceless; the Wednesday library ladies; the docents and all of the art loving volunteers who help to make the place run.”
She enjoyed these experiences so much that they are one of two aspects she’ll miss the most about the museum. She said, “being paid to come to a museum” is the other thing she’ll miss the most.
Two of her favorite exhibitions the museum showed were the National Gallery of London exhibition and the Louis Tiffany Comfort exhibition.
When reflecting on lessons she learned while working at the museum, she noted, “Time goes by quickly when you love what you are doing, and money is not as important as being happy in your work.”
During retirement, Wade and her husband plan to relocate to West Virginia, where they will restore her childhood home. She also has a few art projects in mind and hopes to scratch plein air painting and horseback riding off her bucket list.
Wade said if she had to sum up her career at the museum in one word it would be “remarkable.”
Here’s to you, Brenda Wade, and hoping you’ll enjoy a little more bluegrass music and billiards during retirement.
By Candice Lawrence
