Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1462583
G iven that this is our annual Art issue, I'm shining a spotlight on a woman who's a fixture in the international art world — but one who most definitely shies away from the see-and-be- seen parties and the phalanx of photogs present at the opening of most international art fairs. Instead, she's a true lover of paintings and sculpture (and pretty much all mediums) and has had a thoughtful journey of discovery. Joyce Goss' backstory doesn't scream "gallery director in the making" — but aren't those the most interesting stories to hear. Born in one of those small rural Texas towns that never exceeds 10,000 population, Joyce had the stereotypical upbringing of a country girl. She worked on her family's farm and still retains that heritage by owning, alongside her sister, Legacy Turfgrass, one of a handful of women-owned turfgrass farms in the States. She eventually left for college and found herself at University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in finance. Upon graduating, she moved to Houston and found that it suited her quite well. But when the mortgage company she was working for opened offices in Dallas, she decided to make the move to yet another bustling metropolis. I asked when she met her husband, Tim, and she recounts the story of nine girlfriends who invited 10 guys out so they could all potentially find a date. Was this like an early analog version of Bumble? "Well, I guess it was" she replies. One of those men who ventured to the Highland Park Yacht Club (yes, there really was a place with such an ironic name) was Tim, and the spark of romance was born. A few years later, they married and welcomed their daughter, Greer. Tim is an attorney; following in his footsteps, Greer graduated from UT Law. So, how did someone with a rather traditional life — a beautiful family, with both parents working in fairly conservative professions — find the yellow brick road to the somewhat manic and colorful sphere of artists, gallerists, and assorted dilettantes? "Well," Joyce says, "Kenny [Goss, Tim's brother] was dating George Michael [yes, the pop star], and George and Kenny became involved in the art world." After many years in London, they decided to make a home in Dallas and open a gallery, and Joyce thought: Why not change careers? Today, Joyce is executive director of The Goss-Michael Foundation. In 2007, she helped the gallery make the transition to a 501c3 nonprofit, and she now dedicates herself to building their educational outreach, contributing to our local artistic community, and enhancing the public's familiarity and interaction with British contemporary artists. Over the years, Joyce has also been an active volunteer for myriad community organizations. On our recent visit, on a beautiful afternoon on the Park House patio, with the sun gleaming in her beautiful and soulful eyes, I asked where her heart and passion reside today. She reflected for a moment, then shared, "As the armed conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, there's an immediate and growing threat to the lives and well-being of the country's children. These innocent children are suffering, and, thankfully, UNICEF is working round the clock, dispatching emergency supplies to support these children and their families." Joyce is hopeful that this year's Dallas UNICEF Gala on April 22 will be a huge financial success. One last note: Joyce was a majorette in high school. Indeed, the champion baton twirler proudly retains that skill set and sometimes whip out her batons if she's bored. I was truly torn when selecting an image, as she had a great one from that era. So, if you happen to find yourself at her home sometime soon, ask her to do fishtails today then show you that picture. It's truly fabulous. Approximate date of the photo. Late '90s. (Summer of '97, I think.) The occasion. We were at the famous nightclub Les Caves du Roy in Saint-Tropez, where George and Kenny had a home. What you were wearing. A Gucci blouse. What price fashion. Hmm ... Honestly, I don't remember, but I know those pieces were worth every penny. Why this is a Bomb.com picture It was my first time in Saint-Tropez, and I was feeling so glamorous. You just can't help feeling that way when there. SHE'S THE BOMB JOYCE GOSS B Y B I L L Y F O N G Joyce Goss 128