73 PARTING WORDS LOUISE KOHRMAN MARTINDELL ‘02, MEMBERSHIP AND DONOR COORDINATOR Prior to joining the museum’s membership team in 2006, Louise worked at various studios as a master printer, a passion she discovered while an art major at Smith. Her attentiveness and attention to detail per- meate her work as an artist as well as an administrator. In August 2018, Louise left her role as SCMA’s mem- bership and donor coordinator to return full time to teaching and art making. Though she is dearly missed on staff, Louise’s ties to the museum remain strong— as an educator in the community, a dedicated supporter and devoted parent to Lula, 4, and Milo, 2. FULL CIRCLE During my time as a student at Smith, Dwight Pogue was my most influential professor, inspiring me to become a printmaker. One of the last membership programs I organized as a museum staff member was related to Flowering Stars, an exhibition showcasing his work and commemorating his retirement from the college after 40 years. The timing of it all felt very powerful and personal to me. FIVE THINGS SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Chocolate, coffee, red wine – I’d consider those just one vice! Also my beloved family, my printing press, my garden and my meditation practice, which grounds me through it all. PURSUING HER PASSION Even as I worked full time at SCMA, I continued to teach at art studios and as an adjunct professor at local colleges. I am excited to devote myself full time as an educator, but will really miss the wonderful relationships I developed over the years with members and donors, and of course, my colleagues. My love of working with people was very much nurtured at the museum. DANISH INSPIRATION Although I’ve spent most of my life in Northampton, I was born in Denmark and didn’t speak a word of English until we moved here when I was 7. My mother is Danish, and it’s a culture that really values simplicity in shape and form, and subtlety with light and color. This aesthetic has certainly influenced my work as an artist and my desire to be present in a given moment. A NEW PERSPECTIVE Recently I brought my high school ceramics class to the museum to engage in some close looking and critique. As I walked into the galleries it hit me that these students really have no idea of all that happens behind the scenes to make even this simple exercise possible! From the installation crew and curatorial choices, to membership, marketing and fundraising… there is so much that goes into creating the visitor experience. I’m very grateful to have been part of it.