Staff Spotlight: Meet Ryan Woods

Ryan Woods is no stranger to the fine arts. Even before his acceptance to the University of Georgia, he spent a summer working in Athens as an apprentice for machinist David King. During that time, Woods learned the crafts of hand machining, tapping, lathe work, and various other complex tools and skills regarding materials. With some experience under his belt, he majored in Fine Arts at Gainesville State College, now incorporated into the University of North Georgia. He was later accepted into the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. His apprenticeship lead to his decision to focus his talents on sculptures for his degree program at UGA. By December of 2015, Woods graduated from UGA with a sculpture BFA.

Currently, Woods spends his time working on metal casting and fabrication, as well as paintings and jewelry making. The works he creates stem from important themes and aspects of his life, but he also incorporates 1930s automotive design with a lot of reclaimed car parts. In fact, one his pieces that gets a considerable amount of attention is his sculpture called The Vigil that he worked on with Sam Weaver. This spectacular piece of work is a 12 foot tall steel stag that resides in Lake Herrick at the Intramural Fields on UGA’s campus for all see and admire.

Woods got his start in security while at UGA. He was a student worker at the Miller Learning Center, and in many ways, it helped prepare him for his security supervisor position at the Georgia Museum of Art just a year later. At the museum, he started out as a gallery guide where he was responsible for inspecting various galleries for damage, tending to museum staff needs, as well as assisting museum guests. As a security supervisor, Woods is in charge of several important duties around the museum, consisting of opening the museum during the week, keeping track of the activities within his department, assisting with planning and staff training, as well as working with facilities management regarding building upkeep and repairs.

He also helps maintain the museum’s welcoming environment. Woods mentions that serving as the museum’s face to the public and interacting with museumgoers plays a huge part in creating a positive, enjoyable experience for visitors.

“What I enjoy the most about my job is being involved in the community here at [the museum]. There are many wonderful, talented people I have the pleasure to work with here and being a part of that is fulfilling. I enjoy being around the artwork and talking with people about it, as often the stories you hear are very personal and meaningful. Everyone develops a connection with the art and the community around the museum, it makes it feel like a place you want to be involved with, rather than just the place you work,” he states.

Woods is currently in the museum studies program at UGA, ran by GMOA’s own Curator of Education, Dr. Callan Steinmann. In May, Woods also started an internship at the museum with Deputy Director Annelies Mondi. Woods has assisted in organizing the Rachel Whiteread exhibition and the Harry Willson Sculpture Garden, as well as developing the WPA Campus Mural tour. His interest in the program was influenced by his desire to expand his knowledge and understanding of the museum and the way it operates.

“I would love to one day have my own sculpture studio, or better yet a sculpture park here in Athens. I think the community would benefit greatly from something like that, and it is a larger goal of mine to see what can come of that idea,” says Woods.

We deeply appreciate Woods for all he does for the museum and the arts community!

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