Jules Masterjohn

Name: Jules Masterjohn referred to as Julia Ann Catherine Masterjohn whenever I was in trouble as a kid.
Birthplace: Shell Lake, Wisconsin.
Birthdate: November 23, some year during the last century.
Title: Executive Director, Rogue Gallery & Art Center.
Describe your organization: The Rogue Gallery & Art Center is the valley’s first and now 50-year old (this month!) visual art non-profit organization that serves the region through offering visual art classes and workshops for children, youth, and adults as well as presents high-quality exhibitions by artists of local, regional, and national acclaim. The art center has touched the lives of thousands of visitors and residents since its beginnings in 1960.
What excites you the most about the future of the gallery? Anyone who has turned 50 knows that considerable amounts of momentum and experience are gained with being on the planet for half a century. The future of the organization is rich with possibilities, there is great energy within the community for growth. That is exciting!
Favorite aspect of your job (please feel free to elaborate):
I love getting to know artists. In this past week, I have been introduced to over 35 artists from the area. Each has come into the art center to drop off his or her painting of a cake, which will be on display and in a silent auction during the 50th Anniversary celebration on January 20 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. There are some delicious and delirious expressions of ‘cakeness’ to be found and a list of participating artist that reads like a Who’s Who in the Rogue Valley art scene. Be there!
How long have you lived in Medford: At the time of this writing, 224 hours!
Favorite movie: What the Bleep Do We Know? 1 Giant Leap
Favorite play: Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, one-woman play commissioned by and starring Pat Caroll.
Favorite directors: Joel and Ethan Coen, Wim Wenders.
Favorite actor: Steve Buscemi.
Favorite actress: That’s a toss-up between Emily Watson and Cate Blanchett.
Favorite TV show: I haven’t owned a TV in over 15 years (but must admit that I am glued to one every time I stay in a hotel!).
Favorite radio station: Most NPR and indie stations.
Favorite book of all time: Just one? The Obstacle Race: The Fortunes of Women Painters and Their Work by Germaine Greer, Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan, The Daughters of Copperwoman by Anne Cameron
Favorite magazine: The Sun.
Favorite pets of all time: My recently deceased dog, Sylvie and her very much alive feline friend, Hazel.
What’s the first thing you turn to when you read a daily newspaper? Arts Section & the World News
Favorite part of the Sneak Preview: This column.
Favorite hobbies: In nature: hiking and gardening. In a city: walking the alleys. In my home: lying on the couch and reading.
Favorite Beatle: Duh…John Lennon!
Favorite local restaurants: In my ten days living here, I have only eaten at Grilla Bites and Bonsai Teriyaki in Medford and at the Standing Stone Brewing Company in Ashland. Each is high quality backed with a good vibe.
What is the most important thing you learned as a child?
How to do a cartwheel.
What person or event had the biggest impact on your life?
All the people that I know who have surmounted obstacles and have come through difficult challenges with humor, grace, and wisdom to share have impacted my life.
Proudest achievement: Editing and publishing a beautiful monograph about an elder artist in southwestern Colorado, Stanton Englehart, who died last year.
Favorite thing about Medford: The public library.
What would you change about Medford: The fog and Interstate 5!