Lynn Gaffey's colorful life
Waukesha native has always loved downtown
Lynn Gaffey poses for a photo in the Almont Gallery in downtown Waukesha with some of the art she has created. Photo By Todd Ponath
It seems as though Lynn Gaffey has a double or a twin sister. After all, how can she run a successful art business, Almont Gallery on Main Street, and be part of more community organizations than you can shake a paint brush at? Known throughout downtown for her colorful personality and hair to match, Lynn is in her second career having spent 30 years with the phone company, a stint that included a couple of surprising job descriptions.
What makes you good at your job?
It's my passion. I love art and everything to do with it: the community of artists, the customers in the gallery. Being able to provide affordable original art for everyone's budget!
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in Waukesha. I went to White Rock for grade school, Central for grades 7 to 10, then South for grades11 and 12. For 30 years I worked at the Phone Company (Wisconsin Bell/AT&T) and then I retired. Now, I'm a full-time artist, gallery owner, community volunteer. I'm married to Jerry and the mother of Matt who lives in Bend, Oregon and New Zealand
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a singer, musician and an artist
What's the best advice you ever got?
The best advice I ever got was to get involved - give back to your community.
Who's the wisest person you know?
The wisest person I know is Bill Taylor, a fellow artist and mentor.
How do you spend your free time?
Free time? What's that? I volunteer for many committees, am a member of the Waukesha Landmarks Commission, Big Read Steering Committee, Rotarian and Waukesha Sign Appeals Board I'm the President of Waukesha Art Fest, a charter member of Waukesha West End Artists Association, a past vice president of the Business Improvement District.
What are you passionate about?
Growing up here, I always loved the downtown. As it fell to disrepair I became involved in the rejuvenation through the arts - opening galleries, hosting Art Crawls with Jeff Seymour. We just had our 58th Art Crawl - 12 years of amazing fun!!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
During my career with Ma Bell, I held numerous jobs. One was being a "nickel picker," taking money out of payphones all over the state of Wisconsin. Another was a short stint as a lineman. It was especially short when during an ascent up the pole, I lost contact and slid to the bottom - quite quickly. Only one real bad splinter, through my left hand. Devastating for an artist/musician! The hand surgeon hummed "Wichita Lineman" through the whole process. This was 1976, after all.
If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?
I would buy any available downtown property and install more galleries, retail, and restaurants. I would donate tons, then buy a motor home and tour the country with my husband.
How would you like to be remembered?
For my contributions to downtown, my "colorful" personality, my general love of people.
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