Q&A with Michael Reynolds

As assistant preparator for the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Michael Reynolds spends most of his days matting and framing art and preparing for new installations. But when he’s not caring for the museum, Reynolds spends time planning his next self-propelled, long distance adventure. Among his many journeys, Reynolds has cycled across Mexico and hiked both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. This past fall, he travelled to northern Spain to hike 400 miles on the Camino de Santiago.

Reynolds created a movie about the journey and will be screening it at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 10 in the Nancy Dye Lecture Hall of the Science Center. All are welcome. Watch the trailer for his 37-minute movie.

Get to know more about Reynolds in this Q&A.

Describe your role in six words.
Measure twice, hang once, level, done.

Favorite spot on campus?
The Allen Memorial Art Museum, of course! It's beautiful, full of beautiful creations, and it’s always 70 degrees inside.

What's your passion?
I love to do self-propelled, long-distance trips. The most recent one I’ve taken is a hike with my wife and our friend across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago.

Favorite place on earth?  
So far, Yosemite Valley in California is my favorite place on earth, not only because it is such a spectacular valley, but because I walked down into it as a side trip from a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. It just struck me as a completely magical place. Twice I was tricked into thinking it was an overcast day, just to be reminded to look up higher and see the clear blue sky above the granite walls on the other side of the big trees.

Favorite item of clothing?
My favorite piece of clothing is my Surly merino wool hoodie. Why? Because it's warm—but not too warm—it's very soft, it doesn't stink, and my mom got it for me.

Who are the most important people in your life?
The most important people in my life are my family. I am so fortunate to have a great wife and kids, but also parents and siblings (along with their kids and grandkids) that enrich my life immeasurably.