January 10, 2002
SFU BOOKKEEPER’S ARTISTIC FLAIR WINS ACCOLADES
Balancing books, not composition and colour was Janet Menzies forte when she first arrived at Simon Fraser University 30 years ago. "I was happy to have a poster on a wall when I started as an assistant supervisor in SFU’s cashier’s office," says Menzies, the recipient of this year’s Simon Fraser University Staff Achievement Award.
On the eve of her retirement, Menzies is being honoured for her many contributions to the university community as the registrar of SFU’s art galleries, not the least of which is her sense of humour. "I can sometimes hardly write my name, never mind paint," reveals Menzies about her artistic background. Being a neophyte didn’t deter the Glasgow native, known for her deep Scottish brogue and mischievous laugh, from applying for a job as a gallery assistant at SFU’s art galleries. "I’d had enough of financing and was ready for a complete change," says Menzies, who shifted career gears in 1985.
Menzies was a quick study in learning about the care, installation and design of art exhibitions. Brimming with innovative ideas on how to boost traffic in SFU’s galleries and expand their art collections, Menzies became known as a gracious host of exhibition openings and a connoisseur of fine art. She helped instigate the display of artwork in university corridors and the creation of the annual art gallery calendar, featuring works from the Simon Fraser collection. Menzies started the annual faculty, staff and student art and photography shows, which this year attracted 97 entrants and 335 submissions. Under Menzies’ critical eye, the SFU art galleries’ collections grew from 800 to 4,000 pieces, including works by Emily Carr, Andy Warhol and Marc Chagall. Despite a small budget, she won SFU seven awards from the Gallery of Superb Printing in B.C.
The Fraser Valley club of printing house craftsmen recognizes layout and printing excellence province wide.
SFU faculty and staff who nominated Menzies for this year’s Staff Achievement Award describe her as being "selfless in her dedication to the conservation of the existing collection". She was also described as "demonstrating a passion for art that goes beyond the call of duty." That passion led the art lover to purchase 25 works of art, during the 17 years she was surrounded by art at SFU. "I was so mesmerized, I spent numerous paychecks on buying artwork from our exhibitions," confesses Menzies. "I feel like I’m going out with a bang," says the former bookkeeper and business manager about her Staff Achievement award.
Menzies retired at the end of December, but is still working as a curator on a four month post retirement contract. "It’s hard to let go, when you love your job," says a wistful Menzies. "I have been very fortunate to have had art gallery directors who encouraged me to be creative." Menzies will be awarded a framed certificate and engraved SFU watch at a luncheon in her honour, Thursday, January 17, noon, Diamond University Centre.
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CONTACT: Janet Menzies, 604-291-4266
Carol Thorbes, media/pr, 604-291-3035
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