Our people: Scuba diving and bratwurst

Aug. 19—There probably aren't many folks who remember the TV show "Sea Hunt" that ran from 1958 to 1961. Lloyd Bridges starred as an ex-Navy "frogman" who had adventures as a freelance scuba diver.

Greg Senn remembers that television show. As a kid growing up in central Wisconsin the show gave him scuba diving dreams.

Here in the future scuba diving is part of Senn's life, he is well known in the area as not just a professor of art but also a scuba instructor.

The News talked via phone Thursday with the long-time Eastern New Mexico University professor about art, scuba diving and bratwurst.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: "A little bitty town in the center of Wisconsin called Thorpe. It was a farming and dairy community. There was cheese, cheddar cheese. We were "the land of cheddar-heads. I liked growing up small-town rural, that we had 30 lakes within 30 miles. As kids we came home at dark. We'd ride our bikes over to the next town to see a movie, go fishing, go to parks, boating, waterskiing."

Q: What brought you to Portales?

A: "When I graduated from college I looked for a position in a small school in a small tows where it was warm.

When I got my Master of Fine Art degree from West Texas State and after I graduated I was offered a job at ENMU."

Q: Tell us about your career, your education.

A: "My bachelor's degree is a major in mostly ceramic sculpture and a minor in industrial technology from the University of Wisconsin — Platteville. As I mentioned my MFA is from West Texas State in Canyon, Texas. I came directly over here from there.

My first ENMU classes that I taught were in sculpture, jewelry and art history."

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: "I've been married 41 years to Barbara, a pretty young thing I met my first year in college. She is the administrative assistant for the anthropology department here on campus. We have two children: Jennifer and Jacob. Jacob works at the Portales Walmart, Jennifer is youth librarian in Middleton, Wisconsin."

Q: What do you like about what you do?

A: "I love working with the kids. They're challenging, they're entertaining, there's always something new, I never get bored. And they pay me to do this.

I like having access to the facilities. I get to use the equipment and the space. I do mostly metal sculpture, lots of jewelry, and I'm currently exploring resin/sand casting."

Q: Where would we find your works?

A: "The library just bought one of my works. There's going to be a show on campus in September for the New Mexico Art Educators Association. I have shown with the High Plains Arts Collective.

I have pieces in Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin — Platteville.

My jewelry I sell to individuals piecemeal."

Q: What's the story of you and scuba diving.

A: "I grew up watching Lloyd Bridges on TV on "Sea Hunt" and man, I wanted to go scuba diving.

I took my first class in 2001.

I became a certified assistant instructor. We offer the class here on campus.

My favorite places to dive include the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. I figure I've been in there over 100 times. And it's cold.

I also like the Perch Lakes in Santa Rosa, also Lake Meredith north of Amarillo, and Balmorhea, Texas.

I went to Cozumel and the Caribbean island Bonaire. Loved it."

Q: Tell us about some of the places where you've traveled that you like.

A: "Growing up we were close enough to Canada so we fished Canada.

I've been to New York City and D.C. Well worth the trip but I wouldn't want to live there."

Q: What are your favorite foods?

A: "Being from Wisconsin, bratwurst and German potato salad. The best bratwurst is from Nolchek's in the small town I grew up in. And, of course, being the local brand it's the best.

We visit Wisconsin every year and we bring back a cooler full."

Q: Do you have a favorite saying or two?

A: "No, not really, I worked construction, I'm not sure any of my favorite sayings would be appropriate."