This summer, the Georgia Museum of Art will celebrate the retirement of Paula Arscott, who has served as the museum’s executive assistant to the director for 17 years. Requiring the utmost organizational and communication skills, her position consists of supporting the director in whatever is necessary, including correspondence, scheduling meetings, ensuring preparedness and arranging travel — a role in which she has excelled.
Arscott joined the museum in 2009, coming in with a professional background quite different from the art world. Her education and early career were rooted in science, and she spent many years working in hospitals and laboratories before pivoting to museum work. Before moving to Athens, she lived in London, where she spent 10 years working for Brunel University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service.
What has remained constant across these different fields is Arscott’s love for keeping things efficiently ordered. Operating smoothly behind the scenes supports creativity and engagement across departments. Working at the museum has broadened her understanding of the arts and introduced her to a welcoming community of colleagues. “Moving to work at the museum was a stark contrast to anything I had ever done before,” she said. “Overall, I’ve gained a wider knowledge of art.” Now, when asked about her favorite styles and artists, she tends to lean more towards contemporary art, an aesthetic she has developed an appreciation for over the years.
During her time at the museum, one of her favorite experiences has been attending the Student Perspective tours. She has attended almost every tour, as she enjoys the opportunity to hear students share their research and new interpretations.
In addition to the tours, she fondly remembers the impressive exhibitions she has seen over the years. One exhibition that particularly stood out to her was “Samurai: The Way of the Warrior,” which featured a collection of objects related to legendary samurai warriors, including full helmets, calligraphy boxes and swords. She especially loved the suits of armor featured in the exhibition, and she remembers starting off each day by walking through the galleries and seeing them standing tall.
As she prepares for retirement, Arscott is mostly looking forward to traveling and spending more time with her friends and family. After years of keeping the engine of the director’s office running, she leaves behind a legacy bigger than her work. Beyond her dedication to the museum’s operations, she leaves with respect from her colleagues. The staff sincerely appreciates everything Arscott has contributed to the Georgia Museum of Art, and we wish her the best and some rest in the years to come.
Authored by:
Tatum Ozment
