Amy Cavanaugh Royce, Executive Director at Maryland Art Place, on playing Led Zeppelin on the cello, eating big fat steaks, and her dog named Bob. by Cara Ober
Short Bio: Amy was born in Washington, D.C., in 1973, spending the first four years of her life in Georgetown before relocating to northern Virginia. She grew up in an actively, often aggressively artistic family that included sculptors, jewelers, painters, illustrators, writers, and musicians. Amy started playing the cello at the age of 9 only to find three years later she would end up in “living room competitions” with her brother to see who could play the fastest Led Zeppelin tunes. (He had the advantage on the guitar however.) Mom generally preferred rehearsal before schoolwork, which has had a long-lasting effect on her life. Amy has been actively supporting artists for more than ten years. In her former position as chief operating officer and vice president of the ARCH Development Corporation in Washington, D.C., Royce spearheaded the development of four cultural facilities that now operate as the cultural arm of the ARCH organization. Royce is most notably known for co-founding and operating Honfleur Gallery, a state-of-the-art contemporary exhibition space, in 2007, and is now proud to be a part of the team at Maryland Art Place.
Age: 38
Occupation: Executive Director at Maryland Art Place
Baltimore Neighborhood: Hamilton
Obsessive Collections: I make a point not to collect anything in an effort to keep life simple. However, the things I have the most of are art and music.
Currently Reading: An old textbook from college on Hinduism. It’s all coming back to me now.
Coolest Place You’ve Ever Lived: I have never lived anywhere particularly cool, both in climate and cool factor. I suppose Baltimore; it’s got a little of both.
Hobbies or Leisure Activities: Playing music, although I don’t consider it as a hobby per say—more like a necessity. It’s my art form. Music keeps me sane.
Favorite Food to Eat at Home: Fresh foods! I love to grill a big fat steak (preferably local) with lots of fresh veggies and corn on the cob. Since it’s winter, I have been experiencing a deep desire for summer eating! Also chocolate—I can’t remember a day I have gone without in it in the past three years.
Favorite Food to Eat Out: Tex-Mex: chips, salsa, guacamole. I could eat Tex-Mex every day. My husband and I met working at the Austin Grill in the D.C. area when we were younger. Tex-Mex is still our favorite way to dine.
Favorite Beverage of Choice: Red wine. I like exploring all of the affordable, wonderful options there are out there. I am also a huge coffee drinker and a sucker for a good margarita.
Political Leanings: A little liberal, a little conservative I suppose. I am not good with debate, which has generally kept me from meaningful political dialogue. That said, I do care and do vote. I am saddened about the state of education and health care in this country. I wish we could get back to the basics for whatever that’s worth.
Favorite Baltimore Spot to Hang Out: The Windup Space. It’s a great spot. This is where I am comfortable and in good company.
Pets: We have a dog named Bob. We adopted him when he was 3; he is now 11. Bob is half-Rhodesian Ridgeback, half-yellow Lab. He once ate a giant green beach ball, which we had to have surgically removed. The sad part was that we had not realized until days after consumption that Bob had eaten the ball. The clue came to us due to his fragrant, latex-like odor. The silver lining: all beach ball was removed, Bob was well, and he inherited a brand new name at the vet, “Beach Ball Bob.”
Favorite Person in the World: My son, Lucas, but also my husband and mom. I would hate to leave them out. They are my support system.
Movie that Sums Up the Current State of Your Life: That’s really hard, but most Wes Anderson films pretty much do it, particularly The Darjeeling Limited.
Favorite Place to Travel: I haven’t traveled as much as I would like to. St John’s in the Virgin Islands has been the best to date. By far the most relaxing, which is what I look for in travel these days.
Mantra or Favorite Quote: “Stop, don’t say a word.” It’s my mantra in an effort not to put my foot in my mouth. I wish it worked better.
*Originally Published 1/31/2012 in The Urbanite: http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/new-kid-on-the-block/Content?oid=1468413
