WORKING -- CRAIG WOODS

Story by Torus Tammer, photo by [TK]

HE IS

Finding serenity through his job

LEARNING THE ROPES

Woods, 38, has worked as a museum aid for close to 15 years, the last

10 at the Newland House Museum in Huntington Beach. Having no formal

training, he said his knowledge of art comes from years of working at the

Newland House, and earlier at the Huntington Beach Art Center, before it

was renovated.

“It’s through the people that I have worked with that I learned about

both the art history of the city as well as the history of Newland

House,” Woods said. “The Newlands were pioneers in this area, and Newland

House is about sharing the roots of Huntington Beach with the public.”

UNEXPECTED SET BACK

At 22, Woods was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis -- a condition

exacerbated by stress. His doctor suggested he modify his life to avoid

unnecessary stress.

“At the time, I was working in a Huntington Beach surf store and my

boss suggested I get a job in a calming place like the old Huntington

Beach Art Center,” Woods said.

GOOD FIT

The museum life suited Woods. It was a place of history, knowledge and

imagination, which for him equaled a stress-free environment. Then, at

26, he became a museum aid at the Newland House Museum. With a beautiful

view and quiet surroundings, Woods said he knew he was in the right

place. It didn’t take long for him to pick up the new routine.

“Basically, I greet visitors at the back door and have them sign in

and encourage a donation,” Woods said. “I then take them inside and go

into the history of the Newlands. The entire tour takes about 15 to 20

minutes, and we limit it to 12 adults per group.”

STRONGMAN

Five years ago, Woods received unexpected news once again when he was

diagnosed with schizophrenia. Fortunately, though, he said he has been

able to treat his condition with the help of doctors who suggested

healthful living with minimum stress.

This tough Huntington Beach resident said working at the Newland House

has turned out to be a great job where he gets to meet a variety of

people who take an interest in the museum.

“Although sometimes it’s hectic, for the most part it’s very serene

here -- and that has, on a whole, improved my health,” Woods said.