Peggy and John Mathers
When you meet Asian Art Museum docent Peggy Mathers, her enthusiasm is contagious. It’s no wonder all her friends want her to take them on private tours of the collection. She has come a long way since she first visited the museum as a San Francisco State University student taking an introductory course in Chinese painting.
After a career as a business consultant, Peggy embarked on a second career as a UC volunteer master gardener, providing advice to the public on sustainable gardening practices. One of Peggy’s gardening friends encouraged her to give the museum’s docent program a try. “It has been one of the very best things I’ve ever done in my life,” Peggy says. “Being a docent allows me to engage our visitors with the exquisite pieces we are lucky enough to have in this museum.”
Peggy’s husband, John, is also involved with the museum as a storyteller. He loves sharing stories and art with classes of young children as they tour the galleries. Recently, Peggy and John updated their estate plans. “John and I have both included legacies for the kids and for the institutions that have made a difference in our lives, including the Asian Art Museum,” Peggy says. “I feel it’s important to support the things that feed me.”