membership Member Spotlight: Omar Wahab Omar Wahab, a member of the WAM Members’ Council, works as an Investment Consultant, splitting his time between Worcester and Miami, FL. As a recent transplant from Florida, he relishes exploring Worcester and the surrounding areas. He enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, and of course, museums. Before WAM closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Omar visited WAM at least once a month, often with family and friends. Membership Manager Tara Leahy interviewed him for access magazine. TL:
Since you have not been able to visit the Museum during the past several months, what have you missed the most? OW: Visiting the Museum to see the works of art in person is like traveling back in time. It's like you have a personal window into the lives of the artists and their subjects. WAM has done an excellent job in keeping things 'alive' during the pandemic closure, but the inperson experience of being present with the art cannot be substituted, and I dearly miss it. What has helped you stay connected with WAM while it has been closed? OW: WAM has helped me feel connected as a member through their regular emails that are full of interesting factoids and in-depth information. It has helped me feel that the Museum 'is still there' despite the pandemic closure. I am also a member of the Finance Committee, which has been holding its regular meetings over Zoom. Being part of a committee is a very effective way of remaining involved and feeling connected.
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MEMBER WAM Member Omar Wahab
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You seem to care deeply about art. Why do you feel art is important? OW: I think art is a powerful tool for making people feel a sense of shared heritage. In the case of the Worcester Art Museum, where you have exhibits from different cultures, civilizations, and historical epochs, it really drives home the idea that there is such a thing as a 'human' heritage. My family background and personal circumstances may not tie me directly to most of the art in the Museum, but because it's presented effectively, it makes me feel connected to them across space and time. TL: Do you have a favorite WAM memory? OW: I have fond memories from my visits to all the exhibits, but I have to say that the first time I entered the Museum through the Renaissance Court, it really caught me off guard—in a good way. I was not prepared to see such stunning and impressive mosaics upon entering. It was a great first impression. TL:
Which works of art or galleries are you most looking forward to seeing again when the Museum reopens? OW: The mosaics in the Renaissance Court are gems, and not simply because of their sizes. They are in such good condition that it really is not hard to imagine them in someone's house centuries ago. But really, the entire permanent collection is spectacular. To be able to go through so many civilizations in such a beautiful building is the heart of WAM's experience for me.
What is the value of WAM Membership? • Free visits all year! • Special discounts in the Museum Shop and for studio classes. Members enjoy discounts all year—and 20% off in the Museum Shop during December. • Member-only privileges: These include Members-only hours, discounted tickets, and Members-only Reading Group and virtual presentations, plus Flora in Winter. • Satisfaction in supporting one of the region’s most treasured cultural destinations. Purchase your Worcester Art Museum membership online at worcesterart.org/join, email membership@worcesterart.org, call 508.793.4300, or stop by one of the Guest Services desks. For Salisbury or Benefactor level membership, call 508.793.4325.
Thank you to our Institutional Members Anna Maria College Assumption College Bancroft School Becker College Clark University College of the Holy Cross Eagle Hill School Fay School
MCPHS University Quinsigamond Community College Saint John’s High School The T.E.C. Schools Worcester Academy Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester State University
To learn more about Institutional Membership, contact Marleen Kilcoyne at 508.793.4323 or MarleenKilcoyne@worcesterart.org.
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