Neil Nielsen, facilities manager
When I was in elementary school in Tomahawk, WI, my class took a field trip to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. I never imagined that, many miles and years later, I would end up working there. Since those early days, I have lived in many different places, met all kinds of people, and worked in different trades and industries. No matter where I was, I always found a way to keep art in my life, whether it was making stage props for local theaters or helping to create anything my kids could dream up.
I’ve worked in landscaping, construction, home remodeling, production facilities, and even a coffee shop here and there, but it was about five years ago when I saw an opening for a part-time position at the Museum. I applied and ended up working under Dave Jones, the previous Facilities Manager. While short, I really enjoyed my time here. After that, I went back to brewing beer full time for another five years until I saw the Facilities Manager position open at the Museum. It makes me laugh to think about how, sometimes whenever my wife and I would drive by the Museum, I would jokingly say “I would do Dave’s job.”
That brings me to today, as I share this snapshot of my life. Whether it is writing, music, or visual art, art has always been there for me, and I am truly excited to give back to a field that has always been a passion of mine.
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