& finding passion purpose

The Women Of The Plains Art Museum

It is a classroom,

a think tank, a motivator, an eye opener. It builds bridges, dreams, relationships and community. It is the Plains Art Museum. And it has faithfully served the FargoMoorhead area and beyond for nearly half a century.

For the thousands that enter the museum every year it provides a collective and yet personal experience; giving each visitor unique inspirations and insights.

With each piece, artists fill the Plains Art Museum with a visual orchestra. But who are the conductors that bring this symphony to life? While many contribute, meet three of the women who help cultivate visitors’ experiences: Katherine Rieck, Tonya Scott and Laura Youngbird.

You would assume that a passion for art is what led these women to work for a museum. While true, each path was entirely unique. For Katherine Rieck, a former high school teacher abroad, she admits, “I love to teach, but I was like, ‘Where can I teach and encourage creative thinking and not have to give tests? Museums!’” She is now the assistant director of education, creating programs for all ages and needs, training staff and artists, and designing interactive spaces within the museum.

Tonya Scott can relate to Rieck’s unorthodox path, having been a divisional merchandise manager at Vanity for 14 years. “I honestly didn’t see myself working in a museum,” says Scott. “I don’t have an art background, I’m not an artist. But I love being surrounded by artists.” She has now been with the museum for over 10 years as the earned income manager. "I love the museum,” Scott says. “The sense of community in that space, the diverse amount of people that come in — you really take pride in that place.” She now enjoys working with people and contributing to their growth and success, as well as overseeing the store, visitor services, events and more.

The museum’s sense of community and diversity were important to Laura Youngbird as well. “As an art teacher I brought my students to the Plains every year,” Youngbird remembers. She was soon asked to contribute her expertise in anthropology and Native American art to various outreach programs the museum offered. Eventually, she was presented with the opportunity to serve as director of Native American programs. “The job description did not literally have my name on it, but it could have!” Youngbird says. She is able to draw from her life experiences and use them in program planning, curating, working with Native artists, and teaching classes.

The museum has given each of the women an opportunity to use their talents within their roles, while also bringing their gifts together. It is one of the things Rieck loves most about working at the museum. “The freedom to collaborate with my colleagues,” says Rieck. “We are all passionate about our jobs and that really comes out.”

Scott also points out this collaboration floods outside the building’s walls.

“Our biggest thing is for the community itself,” says Scott. “We are free for everyone, regardless of class, race, religion, background, orientation.”

Being able to offer free admission excites the women. Youngbird remembers, “I used to like to go to the exhibits more than once, and when you want to go 20 times — well you can’t really do that!” she laughs. “I believe ‘your museum,’” she says, quoting Andy Maus, “is a place for everyone in the community to celebrate each other, share ideas and cultivate understanding.”

Their passion stems from how art has impacted their own lives. “I’ve seen a lot of shows in the gallery over the last 10 years,” says Scott. “Some are beautiful, some are abstract, some have a social discussion behind them. I’ve learned that art doesn’t have to be beautiful, it just has to make you feel.” “Art has always been a huge part of my life,” shares Youngbird. And, it has taught her much, “I am learning to see.” The arts has also empowered them as women. “I want to make societal change,” says Rieck. “And I feel I can do that through the arts.”

While all of the women would agree that working in nonprofits has its ups and downs, the passion and purpose it provides far outweighs every challenge it brings. “You’re not just making money to make money,” explains Scott. “You’re making money to do more and more and more.” “You will meet a high concentration of passionate people,” adds Rieck. “They bring different perspectives and together we can make something really amazing.”