backstory: Tenacious mama bears
I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life. Average ones, less than average ones, and really above average ones. I hope you’ve also had some really above average ones. Those really above average ones, for me, have come mostly in the form of what I would describe as “tenacious mama bears”— the TMBs. One of my TMBs, who I’d like to talk about today is Joan Marter.
I know some of you faithful backstory-followers out there who have known me a long time also know Joan. Joan brought me into the PhD program in Art History at Rutgers and was my dissertation advisor. She has encouraged me throughout my career by being there when she was needed and by following along and offering advice, going on twenty-five years now. Joan also taught me about mentoring others and about giving back.
This backstory is part of my grateful give-back. So, and this is really intended for those of you who have known Joan, we’re creating a scholarship fund in her honor. If you’re interested in helping, you can find out more about it here.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art
p.s. I’m in London on Museum business with a little free time and saw My Neighbour Totoro yesterday, recommended to me by my dear friend and colleague who some of you also know, Michael Lobel. It’s a staged play, adapted with music, based on Studio Ghibli’s 1988 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. It’s delightful and heartwarming. If you’re in London you might try it (there’s going to be four-year-olds in the audience so expect that) or maybe it will find it’s way to the US and you can see it there.
