Have you ever wondered who does the decorating at the Triton Museum’s Gift Shop? The colorful, eye-pleasing display is the work of volunteer Carmen Pascual.
“I refresh the displays in the museum store every couple of months,” says Pascual, Visitor Services Associate at the Triton. “I feature a piece of art and work around it. I notice the season we are going into. It is fall now and the colors are changing so I am including warmer tones in the product placement.” Pascual is a buyer by trade and attended De Anza College.
Pascual’s job also includes being a docent at the museum. “I greet the guest, and give a quick rundown of the artist before I take the visitor on a guided tour of the galleries,” she explains.
Pascual prepares for her docent duties by attending the artist’s reception and talking with the museum’s curator, Preston Metcalf. “If I have the opportunity to meet and talk to the artist, I ask questions about the art and say that this information will be shared with visitors.”
It is obvious Pascual enjoys her job.
“When guests come in, what I enjoy most is when a piece of art triggers something in a person and they need to share what that piece means to them,” she says. “It is a really great experience to be part of that moment. It is a wonderful gift I get.”
In addition, Pascual supervises the facility rentals and works for the museum’s education department by marketing the ArtSudio programs for kids and adults in local schools. ArtStudio classes are for all ages and artistic backgrounds. Classes include pencil drawing for children, animation creation for teens, and landscape painting for adults.
When Pascual is not busy contributing at the Triton, she is either getting her kids involved in volunteering or doing additional volunteer work. “Volunteering is about keeping up my skills and is a great opportunity to be part of the community,” she says.
Pascual is also the community outreach manager for her friend, city council candidate Teresa O’Neill. This is her second political campaign with O’Neill.
In addition, she is on the executive board for Christmas in the Park, and has been actively volunteering for the event since 2009.
When asked how she manage all these commitments, Pascual replies, “I am very detail-oriented and have a great ability to multi-task. I also love to schmooze.”
Along with her sense of humor, Pascual gives the impression she is a positive, strong woman. “I admire a lot of different women and I learn from their particular strengths,” she comments.
Describing herself as an “import-export” from Barcelona, Spain, Pascual was born in California and grew up as a “local girl.” As an adult, Pascual lived in Spain for about 10 years.
She has inherited her mother’s adventuresome spirit. “Whatever comes my way, I go for it!”
The Triton Museum showcases contemporary California artists. Admission and parking are always free. For information, visit www.tritonmuseum.org.
