10 Questions: Art Museum director, Ruth Green-Cole

Ruth Green-Cole

A lover of art with a secret passion for an un-arty pastime, the new director of the Whangarei Art Museum, Ruth Green-Cole, reveals more about herself in this week's 10 Questions.

1. Describe yourself in three words.

Mother, creator, academic.

2. What is the most important advice you have ever been given?

Don't do tomorrow, what you should have done today.

3. When it's been a full-on week, what is your favourite way to unwind?

Just chill.

4. What do you think is Northland's best kept secret?

There are so many amazing places, and things to see or do but for me - the Quarry Gardens is one of my favourite places. It's sensory, quiet and beautiful no matter what time of the year.

5. What is the one thing you could not live without each day?

Being with my fiance and daughter.

6. Tell us something that most people don't know about you.

I am not very ticklish. I think it is because of all the good yoga breathing practice over the years.

7. What's the best bargain you've managed to nab in the past year?

I recently walked into a 70 per cent flash clothing sale by a NZ designer.

8. As a child, who or what did you want to be when you grew up? And why?

I knew I wanted to make and to be surrounded by art. My mother worked at the Auckland Art Gallery as a curator and would take me through all the "secret passages" to see the clock tower on top of the AAG building, and the various conservation and collection storage areas. I developed a love for art and objects and always find galleries and museums enjoyable places and spaces especially when I am on my own.

9. Have you ever cried at the movies? If so, what were you watching?

Always. Have you seen Inside Out?

10. What is your secret passion/s?

Weightlifting and yoga.