Jeffery Fick embarked on a full-circle journey from being one of the first Reading Public Museum campers to revitalizing the gift shop at the museum in a full-time position. He has stocked the shop with themed, one-of-a-kind gifts, and his welcoming energy creates a magical experience for anyone who visits.
Q: What was your professional background before working at The Museum?
I worked for the City of Reading as the art specialist and supervisor of the Third and Spruce Recreation Center for 13 years. I left there to open a retail flower business. I did that for several years, then took a little hiatus. I sold my business and then worked at other flower retail businesses. But recreation was where I started working with families and taught crafts to playground leaders and kids throughout the City of Reading.
Q: What brought you back to working with families?
I grew up in the Reading School District, and I always had a fondness for the Reading Public Museum. I came here as one of the first camp kids when I was a young boy and always loved it. I thought this would be a great place to kind of end my career path and come full circle.
Q: How has the gift shop evolved since you started nine years ago?
When I first started, we really didn't have much. Our then-director said, “Before you came along, we were planning on closing the shop.” We're now at the point where we offer so many things, and it takes a team of people to put it together. Diane Ruth (my supervisor) and Kristen Ruth (who assists me with buying merchandise) and I work with our volunteers and the rest of our team to organize, reorganize and plan … especially when new events and exhibits rotate often. We offer gifts that pertain to the exhibits.
Q: What is something that people may not expect to gain from visiting The Museum?
We are essentially putting on a show. I always liken us to magicians, whether it be in the gift shop or throughout The Museum. The curatorial team and everybody involved work to produce this magical experience which I do not think is present at other museums. For example, we have a fine collection of prints and other gifts of paintings, sculptures and artwork in The Museum so that someone can take a very inexpensive piece of that very expensive piece of art home with them. It's neat when they say, “I love this gift shop,” or “This is our favorite gift shop.”
Q: What do you enjoy outside of building relationships at The Museum?
I'm a new homeowner, so I'm busy learning new things about my home: the good and the bad. I'm also getting to know my neighbors and my community more. I've always lived in West Reading, so I love the area. I like to go to the farmers market. I've been to many farmers markets in other areas, and I think we have some of the best markets and vendors. I like antiquing and painting as well, but I don't sell any of my things in the shop. At this point in my personal and professional life, I encourage other artists to and help bring out the best in them.
Learn More.
Kickstart your holiday shopping. Join the museum for the Santa Sale on Nov. 26 from 11am to 3pm. Meet featured artists and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Members get 20 percent off, and non-members receive 10 percent off.
Give the gift of membership. Whether you want to treat yourself or others, visit readingpublicmuseum.org to purchase a membership. Be the first to see exhibitions, enjoy discounts and more.
