|  |
 |
|
Terri Andersen Named Museum Director |
Special to the Post | 5/6/08
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terri Andersen was recently named museum director of the Fred Harman Art Museum in Pagosa Springs. Terri was selected as the non-profit museum’s executive director after working for about a year and a half as assistant to museum founder and curator Fred C Harman III. Continued...
Bruce and Terri Andersen take a moment from their work to sit on the John Wayne Couch, on display at the Fred Harman Art Museum. Wayne was personal friends of the Harmans and visited often, especially while filming the movie The Cowboys here in the Pagosa area in 1970. |
Harman says he’s been looking for the right person to come along for several years with the personality and skills to take over the museum. “Norma and I built the museum and worked it for 25 years since moving back home from New York in 1982. At almost 81 years old, I think I’d like to retire. At least think about it!” Harman said.
The Fred Harman Art Museum, situated at the top of Put Hill at the Harman Park stoplight, features the artwork and personal memorabilia of Harman’s dad, Fred Harman, Jr., creator of Red Ryder and Little Beaver comics, very popular from the late 30s to the mid-60s. The elder Harman got his first art job in 1922, working alongside and bunking with another young artist named Walt Disney. After 30 years of cartooning, he went on to paint fine art oil paintings, over 400 known works in all, depicting life in Pagosa Country and around the west in the old days. It’s these works that are highlighted in the museum.
 As the museum’s director, Terri will head all aspects of the museum operation. Priorities include creating a vibrant volunteer and docent program to assist with daily operations and special projects, and to assist the museum board in securing a solid financial future for the small art museum. She is joined in this task by husband Bruce Andersen, a professional photographer and interpretive exhibit planner. Bruce brings his career experience in visitor services, travel and tourism management, and visual communications to the museum.
To get involved in the museum as a volunteer or contributor, contact Terri at 970-731-5785 or just drop by the museum, now open weekdays from 10:30 – 5:00 and on Saturdays starting Memorial Day weekend. Fred Harman Art Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit organization funded solely by donations from visitors, friends and the Harman family.
The Andersens are excited about this challenge and invite the Pagosa community to come by and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum at an Open House Celebration on May 31 or anytime this summer. Watch for more information on the open house and Fred Harman Art Museum activities throughout the summer, including Springs Theatre Company’s old west dinner theater shows in June, July and August. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|