By Theresa Campbell
Person of Interest: Ileanne Buigas
Executive director of Lake County Museum of Art cherishes making each show and fundraiser a success to benefit the community.
Photo: Nicole Hamel
Vital Stats
- Lives in Eustis.
- Graduated in graphic design from University of Miami. Also founder of consulting firm
B Marketing Agency. - Family includes husband David Lopez, a teacher; daughters Addy, 26, a teacher in Orlando; and Rachel, 23, art director for the New York Times.
- Enjoys baking; making macarons is her latest obsession.
What I enjoy about my job: I love turning over the shows. Being able to put new artwork up on the walls is the best day of each one. My brother, George Buigas, and I are the ones who put the shows up and it’s fun. It’s great to work with him at the museum doing what we like. It really is a family affair.
Fun museum events: Our Bubbles & Brews, featuring four watercolor artists, was fantastic, and we had a great summer camp. Knowing that not every school has art, we want to be able to bring it to the community.
Favorite artist: I like modern and I’m much into Romero Britto, a modern Brazilian painter. He paints with a lot of bright colors. I have a few of his pieces at home, and I really love his work.
Creative family: My uncle used to paint, and one of my favorite memories was watching my grandfather sketch pictures of my grandmother. It was so neat; my brother and I have a couple of the sketches.
More about me: I am a doer. I have to be busy, and I want to please people. I always want to help, I want to make things smooth, and I want everybody happy, but it doesn’t always work. It’s hard for me to say “no” when it’s for a good cause.
On my bucket list: To travel more. Even little trips of visiting New York because my youngest daughter is there.
Best advice: Tomorrow is another day. Even when things go wrong, you get to start over tomorrow.
Best compliment: I am constantly being told that every show looks different and that they love it. It really makes me feel good because the museum can’t be boring.
Guilty pleasure: Reality TV. I’m all hooked on the “Housewives” shows.
What I want people to know about the museum: We’re here!
Originally from Anderson, Ind., Theresa worked for The Herald-Bulletin for many years. After experiencing a winter with 53 inches of snow, her late husband asked her to get a job in Florida, and they headed south. Well known in the area, Theresa worked with The Daily Sun and The Daily Commercial prior to joining Akers.
