April 19, 2012

Thank You, Volunteers!

Last night we hosted our Volunteer Appreciation event in celebration of National Volunteer Week.

ArtStarts relies on the amazing, quality work that our volunteers generously provide. Since 2006, we've been lucky enough to have been granted 6,607 hours of volunteer time! We've been shown a HUGE amount of dedication and generosity, and we couldn't be more thankful.

Our logo for Volunteer Week says a lot about how we think about volunteers. The letters "V" and "W" for "Volunteer Week" combine together with our ArtStarts logo to create a hand. A volunteer is someone who puts their hand up to say "I'm here!", "Count me in!", "I can do it!" That kind of initiative and enthusiasm is contagious. And, of course, the hand also represents a high five to our volunteers!

Last night, current, past and prospective volunteers came out to celebrate with us. We asked our volunteers to share their experiences and explain what volunteering means to them. Reponses included:

• Exploring new areas of interest
• Gaining experience and skills
• Meeting new people
• Being immersed in culture
• Sharing one's experience and talent and learning something in exchange

Infusion Manager, Terri Anne Wilson, and volunteer Berni Elizalde

In their own words, here's what some of our volunteers had to say about their experiences at ArtStarts:

"This organization has been a home for me for quite some time now, always staffed with the greatest of individuals, its mandate ever expanding and growing; when I'm at ArtStarts I always feel the bigger picture, the 'reach' of the work we do into the communities of BC. When we touch the lives of kids in the capacity we do, we invariably touch the community as a whole. It is so rewarding to be part of this process, even more so when I'm directly in contact with some of its end results, when both my hands are in it up to my elbows in the installation of a new exhibition of children's artwork! Being part of all this makes me proud."
—Francois Grenier, Volunteer Since 2008

"The team at ArtStarts is very friendly and inclusive which makes for a nice environment to be in as a volunteer. I enjoy being involved behind the scenes in promoting art and creativity for school students. The gallery is an interesting place and I loved learning more about the Vancouver Biennale as well as the history of Kingsway. The staffs are always appreciative of the work volunteers do. It has been great to get to know other volunteers and the staff and has enhanced my experience of life in Vancouver."
—Samantha Crooke, Volunteer Since September 2011

"I've really enjoyed volunteering at Artstarts. From the very beginning the team made me feel at home. Having the chance to be creative in my work here makes me realize that I am truly contributing to the cause. ArtStarts is a wonderful project that combines education, creativity and social awareness, and it's also a good opportunity to give back to the community, especially to young people, through a space to dream, create and learn in an entertaining and dynamic way."
—Berni Elizalde, Volunteer Since February 2012

"I began volunteering at ArtStarts to build administration skills and the team here has facilitated an excellent learning experience since I became a part of this fun, focused and extremely relevant organization. The people are warm, appreciative and there are always plenty of snacks. My involvement with ArtStarts is diverse - never dull: gallery assisting; curatorial processes in the gallery (installing photographs for The Kingsway Project was a highlight); ArtStarts on Saturdays; and most recently, the 2012 Showcase. Because ArtStarts is a dynamic hub of activity, my tasks are consistently engaging, making volunteering a fulfilling and a continual pleasure."
—Ashley Manhas, Volunteer since November 2011

Volunteer Coordinator, Juliana Bedoya, with volunteer Miret Rodriguez

We'll keep saying it all year round... thanks, volunteers!

If you're interested in volunteering at ArtStarts, you can find out more on the Volunteer page.