Interview and Photography by Leslie Joy Ickowitz

 

Describe a great day locally (past or present), where you had it and why it was special: 

Spending the day at the beach – I usually go to Treasure Island – not looking at my phone or worrying about anything. Just enjoying my time outdoors and being humbled by the ocean, which existed a long, long time before me and will exist a long, long time after me.

 

What is your cat’s name and what is a silly thing he/she does?

Dolly June. I call her a country music singer/songwriter. She is VERY vocal and VERY loud. Most of her songs are about starvation.

 

You enjoy cooking…

Just about anything vegan.

 

What’s your favorite dish to prepare?

Mediterranean flatbread and vegetable paella

 

Any plans to attend cooking classes at DFAC? Which one(s)?

I am interested in attending a vegan cooking class. I know we have a few.

 

Your alter ego would love to (fill in the blank): be a strength and conditioning coach.

 

 

The last thing in the world I would want to do is (fill in the blank): run for political office.

 

What art medium(s) do you most admire?

I personally enjoy photography; but I admire all artists and all mediums. To be able to take what is essentially nothing – a blank canvas, a lump of clay, a piece of wood, or an everyday scene – and turn it into not just something but something of beauty is a talent and ability I admire.

 

Describe an educational experience that led you to pursue education as a career:

As an undergraduate I took several classes with Dr. Gary Mormino, the preeminent Florida historian, and so much enjoyed his teaching style, scholarship, and seemingly endless knowledge about US and Florida history, I decided to be an educator and a scholar.

 

What drew you to DFAC to fulfill the Education Director role?

DFAC is an organization with a long history, well-respected in the community, and does great work. Way back when, I wanted to work in a museum, and this position gave me the chance to re-pursue that goal. Plus, I enjoy being surrounded by beautiful art all day.

 

Something we would never guess about you:

People are usually dismayed when I tell them I enjoy doing yard work – the hotter the better!

 

Who would play your character in a movie?

The Rock

 

Name a bucket list item:

Spend at least one night in all 50 states. I am at 26 so far. Ironically, I do not like to travel.

 

Place you dream of visiting:

Rome, Italy

 

If you had a billboard to make an announcement to the community, what would it say?

Go outside. Find someone who needs help. Help them.

 

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