Boutiques of the Most Excellent Kind

December 21, 2015

I find myself again immersed in all the holiday excitement, shopping and traffic. Even with the prospect of crowds of shoppers, lines at the airport, and fatigued UPS and FedEx drivers everywhere I turn, it’s still an exciting time of year for me. In spite of the chaos, it’s also a good time to stop and take stock. This year, I decided to make a special effort to step back and really look at what’s important to me – family, friends and the values I hold dear.

Many of the stories of the winter holidays involve light – the star in the east, the light given off by the menorah, the winter solstice which marks the beginning of days bringing more light. There are the amazing computerized displays on homes throughout the cities as well as the delicate white lights strung from railings and trees – especially magical when dusted with snow.

Last year my mom passed away just a few days after Christmas. She was a brilliant light. She was incredibly smart, challenged me with novel ideas and encouraged me to always move forward in some way, putting one foot in front of the other. She was gregarious, even when ill. She annoyed me often and her dry wit made me laugh until my sides ached. Daily, I remember one of her adages or outrageous Southern expressions.

With the gift of time, I think more of the blessings she gave us and a little less of how much I miss her. I remember how much she celebrated her family, even if all the siblings knew that we collectively put the “fun” in family dysfunction. Our holiday gatherings always include some tidbit of family drama — a tradition I would not trade for anything. The family has become closer this year, even as far flung as we are in multiple time zones. We talk more, we all spend more time with dad. As much as I enjoyed my family before, this year we’ve come to see each other as good friends – even when our diverse political views come up.

This past year has sharpened my awareness of my role as a parent and grandparent. How can I, too, shine a bright light for the next generations of my family? How can I encourage their individual stories, nurture old and new traditions and ensure that our family blessings continue to be passed along.

I admit to taking stock of my other family – the amazing people that make up MSA. I have a great staff that keeps this place running – smoothly on most days. I talk to people every day about their unusual and fascinating businesses – both stores and vendors – and all they are doing to continue to improve and grow. I’m in the perfect position as a life-long learner, learning new things every day from really smart people.

With a heart enlightened by all that has unfolded in this past year, I launch my final assault on holiday gift shopping. I am seeking special gifts to share that reflect my continuing wonder with the world, family, friends, co-workers and colleagues. This may sound like I am pandering, but for years, even before I took on my role with MSA, I shopped at museum stores for gifts that are truly distinctive and special. These stores are boutiques of the most excellent kind. They are the last place many visitors experience our treasured cultural venues. They are in my (humble) opinion one of the most accessible places where the light shines on the whole of an institution’s collection and its mission. So be prepared, you might see me in your store looking for that one thing that can only be found there – something that resonates with wonder and light.

Jama Rice is the Executive Director and CEO of MSA