Staff Highlight: Scott Patterson Marketing Guru

Scott Patterson wears many hats at the museum. In his spare time he creates music, collects cool things from here and there and drives bright blue vintage cars. He's also an expert with ice cream cakes. In his staff highlight, he explains all of his duties and beyond.

What is your job at the Brooks and what does it entail?

Geez. Well my title is Volunteer Coordinator/Public Programs Assistant. Essentially, I schedule volunteers and interns for the various needs of the museum, while assisting the marketing department with films, events, and marketing strategy. This includes everything from handling audio/video needs in the auditorium to building community relations and helping with publicity. I’ve even been spotted selling artisan crafts and jewelry in the Museum Store, so watch out!

What was your first job at the Brooks?

I started out as a volunteer and my first event was the Sivads of March. That one night put all of my misconceptions about the Brooks to rest.

(Those who were in attendance that night probably know what I mean!)

What is your favorite piece of art and why?

Ooh, that’s tough. If I were to pick just one it may be the processional cross in the Moss Gallery. I was shocked to learn that we have 600 year old artifacts in the museum, and considering where that cross has been and what it may have been involved with, it’s pretty spectacular. That cross was crafted during the final years of the Crusades! It is impressive that it has made its way to Memphis and the Brooks.

[caption id="attachment_3558" align="aligncenter" width="213" caption="Spanish (Barcelona) PROCESSIONAL CROSS, ca. 1390 Silver and enamel over an oak core Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Purchase; funds provided by the Morrie A. Moss Endowment, the Decorative Arts Trust and Mrs. Lula C. Coffey 97.9"]

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What has been your favorite exhibit and why?

Honestly, this year’s Scholastic exhibit blew my mind! It was a relief to discover that there are still kids out there making great art. Perhaps there is some hope for the up-and-coming generations after all.

What is your favorite part about working at the Brooks?

It is nice to be involved with the arts, especially with an organization that has such a strong interest in making positive changes in the community.

Lunch breaks in the park are nice, too!

If you could travel cost free anywhere for one week, where would you go?

Cost free? It would have to be Iceland. I have always wanted to go, but it’s just so expensive that I haven’t gotten around to that one …yet!

[caption id="attachment_3562" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Traditional Icelandic turf houses. Until the 20th century, the vast majority of Icelanders lived in rural areas., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland"]

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If you could meet any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Years ago I saw Matthew Barney’s Cremaster Cycle at the Guggenheim in New York. The whole thing just floored me.

I guess it would be interesting to find out where that concept came from, and what it actually meant to him as he created it.

If you could be good at any subject, what would it be and why?

Math classes were always tough for me- I could definitely use some help in that area.

[caption id="attachment_3565" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="An abacus, a simple calculating tool used since ancient times., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics"]

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If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?

Telekinesis could be fun!