Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyla Lipson.
Hi Hyla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have led a varied life and have done a number of things. The important trail leading to my directorship at the museum began in the nineties when I went back to college (The University of Oregon) as a divorced mother (They called me a “retread!”). I needed to finalize my degree and took business courses and a one year long course called Museology. After finishing my degree, I wanted to work in a museum, but ended up developing fiber optics for the sign industry. I owned a company for 36 years and when we closed the doors, I wasn’t ready to retire. The job at the museum was open – I applied and realized that I had studied for my position years ago. My desire to run a museum has now run full circle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it’s not been smooth at all. However, I know there have been jewels along the road that I found and those gave me the directions I needed to go. The hardest time was when I went back to the University. I was able to get Pell grants and food stamps. It was very embarrassing for me at first, but then I realized the gift I had been given so took advantage of what I could.
Starting the fiber optic business was very rocky at first because no one had ever seen what we did. My fiber optic sales person said, “describing fiber optics is like describing chocolate to a person who has never tasted it!) Once it caught on, we had a wonderful time engaging many industries from beer companies to museums.
When LEDs came along, the technology for signs and displays changed and we had to stop. That was very hard.
Now I love what I am doing at the museum. The hardest part is funding. It would be lovely not to have to worry about money.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The museum was founded in 1979. It has been in three different locations. Currently it is located on G Street in a two story brick building. We are only one of two museums in Southern Oregon. Our exhibits vary from local art to international offerings. We also have a retail art gallery with over 70 artists represented.
We offer workshops for adults and children, poetry sharing, concerts, and other events like Art in the Garden, which is a spring time fund raiser.
Visiting our museum is a treat. General admission is free and we have an elevator for anyone who is physically challenged. We try and have things that people would normally see in larger cities. We are considered a hub for downtown visitors – either locals or tourists. There are 22 individually owned restaurants within three blocks of the museum. And, there’s a glass forge one block away!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The museum has only two paid employees. Myself and my assistant. Everyone else is a volunteer. We have about 20 regular greeters who come to the museum in the afternoons to spell us. We also have about 80 other volunteers who we can call on for special events.
I personally, have made many connections in Southern Oregon through my non profit board involvement. I currently sit on the Four Way Community Foundation board, the Josephine County Visitors Association Board, Rotary, and I am a co-founder of The Hearth, which is a storytelling event that we hold quarterly. I am also known as a connector and love people. In 2009 I started a newsletter called The JoCoNet. It goes to about 1,000 people and it’s all about events and things that are happening in Southern Oregon.
Currently, we are hoping to have more members and donors for the Grants Pass Museum of Art. That is the best way for people to support what I do!
Pricing:
- Museum Membership starts at $50 for an individual
- $150 for a guild membership
- $250 for being a museum patron
- $500 for being a benefactor
- $1000+ for being a super helper!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gpmuseu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantspassmuseumofart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrantsPassMuseumOfArt
- Youtube: Grants Pass Museum of Art @grantspassmuseumofart3311
