Meet the Board: Michelle Epps


Michelle Epps, Community Engagement Manager, SPACES

Tell us a little about where you work and what you do there.

I am the Community Engagement Manager at SPACES, a non-profit art forum. My position is two-fold. I try to engage community partners to strengthen our bond within the community and develop programs to bring members of the community into SPACES who may not otherwise visit.

 

What is your earliest museum memory?

My earliest museum memory is of the Cleveland Museum of Art. My parents would take us there once a month on Sunday afternoons after church. George Segal’s The Red Light and Red Grooms’ Looking Along Broadway Towards Grace Church are the two pieces I always associated with the CMA and would always look forward to seeing them.

 

What led you to go into the museum field?

I have always loved museums and history and when I realized I could make a career of it that’s what led to me to the field.

 

What is your workspace like?

The only constant at SPACES is change. We have 8 different artist projects cycling through a year. It’s amazing to see the gallery transformed based on the artist’s vision, which happens every few months.

 

What item in your office can you not live without?

My headphones. When you work in a small office with a lot of activity having a little white noise running can help with staying focused.

 

Describe your favorite work memory. What was your best day like?

One of my favorite work memories was traveling to Ocean City, Maryland to interview a 103 year old female pilot who in the 1930s broke an altitude record. 

 

What does your dream museum look like?

One that doesn’t have to worry about fundraising.

 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Work smarter not harder, which I think I learned from Scrooge McDuck on an episode of the cartoon Duck Tales. And yes, I am being totally serious!

 

What are you currently reading?

“The End of Night: Searching for Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light” by Paul Bogard

Support OMA with your
tax-deductible donation!

A contribution to the Ohio Museums Association will help us continue to provide important programs and services to Ohio’s Museums.